Todd Tiahrt: “I rise today to protest the Democrat Leadership's dictatorial tactics. Our Founding Fathers, in their infinite wisdom…”

“I rise today to protest the Democrat Leadership's dictatorial tactics. Our Founding Fathers, in their infinite wisdom, created a system of government by which the people's voice would be heard in legislative decisions, especially those affecting the use of their hard earned taxpayer dollars. The House of Representatives has the awesome responsibility to represent the will of the people, and for that reason, under the Constitution of the United States, spending bills originate in this body. What we have here today, however, is the suppression of the people's voice. This bill is brought to the floor without consideration by the committee of jurisdiction whose chairmen didn't even have input and without true consideration by the House with a lockdown rule that does not allow for consideration of amendments or a substitute bill. Democrat and Republican Members have been shut out of this process. This bill contains funding for the men and women who protect this nation at home and abroad--yet the defense subcommittee which holds hearings year round about their needs has not been consulted. This bill contains funding for our nation's veterans, yet again the subcommittee that best understands their needs has not been consulted. This bill contains funding for domestic priorities and yet again the subcommittees of jurisdiction have not been consulted. Why is the Speaker of the House opposed to allowing the House of Representatives have their say?”