Barney Frank: “First, I guess I didn't know we would get in great detail about what was cockamamier than what; but when I used that…”

“First, I guess I didn't know we would get in great detail about what was cockamamier than what; but when I used that phrase, I was referring specifically only to one argument: the argument that the Afghanistan force resolution authorizes. That is all I said. I repeat, anybody who makes that argument is, let's use a Southern expression, had too much moonshine. Beyond that, I understand the gentleman thinks it is okay for warrantless wiretapping. The question is not wiretapping, but warrantless. But my question is this: Why can't the House of Representatives vote on it? By what right does the Rules Committee arrogate to itself the right to extinguish debate? I expect that there will be differences.”