Political Quotes

“Members should not think that there will not be a vote now on the previous question, because I have no choice but to emulate my colleague, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor). The gentleman threatened to vote on the previous question and he got his amendment made in order. I have some amendments I would like made in order and I do not want to be open to the inference that I am less committed to mine than he to his, so I now will announce that I will be moving for a rollcall on the previous question. The rule is a disgrace. I understand the desire of the Republican leadership to make something out of the China issue. It ought to be fully debated, but it should not come at the expense of this House debating some of the most important public policy questions we face. Bosnia, and I did not know that the principle was equal Democrat and Republican amendments. That seems to be rather an odd way to make public policy, but I do not threaten that, because the amendments I want made in order are totally bipartisan. I have an amendment sponsored by myself and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) to put a freeze on defense spending. That was not made in order. Let us be very clear. Defense spending represents a large chunk of what we have said we will spend. Not a single amendment is made in order that would reduce the budget. This House will not be given a chance to vote on whether or not the budget ought to be reduced.”