Political Quotes

“tonight, instead of special orders, this House of Representatives will be holding its first Oxford-style debate. Oxford-style debates give the American people an opportunity to hear details, fundamental discussions of important issues. This debate will be the first of a series of debates scheduled for the House floor. The second debate is scheduled for April 20. The third debate, which is scheduled for May 11, will include bipartisan teams. After review of the first three debates, the House will decide whether or not to continue debates on the House floor. Most appropriately, the first debate is on health care. I want to congratulate both the Democratic and Republican leadership for their persistence in bringing us to this moment. In developing this debate format, the joint leadership has sought ways of elevating the value and effectiveness of debate in the House of Representatives. Together tonight, we institute a reform that all of us hope will improve the quality of debate in this legislative Chamber. When referring to debates, the French moralist Joseph Joubert, known as Pensees, said: The aim of argument or discussion should not be victory but progress. In that spirit, one can hope that tonight's debate will help us reconcile differences in the House and lead towards the enactment of health care reform. We will both better understand each other's position.”