Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for that clarification. Obviously, we had a full debate on the floor today about this change in the proxy voting. There still were many constitutional questions raised, especially as it relates to Article I, Section 5, which states that a majority of each House shall constitute a quorum. I would hope, although the rule is clearly passed and your side was able to pass that, doesn't mean it needs to be exercised because the Senate is going to be in next week. Because we proved today that we can come back safely and conduct our business, I would just hope and urge that while it is now an opportunity, an option for the majority to use that, we still would continue to do business with a majority of Members being present. Because if a major piece of legislation were to come to this floor and to pass with a proxy--meaning 20 people holding proxies, clearly, under your bill, would be what your side would claim to be a majority--it would be challenged. It definitely would be eligible for being challenged in court under Article I, Section 5, the constitutional requirement of a quorum. I would just hope that would be considered that, while it is there in the rule now, doesn't mean it has to be the way the House conducts business.”