Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise up in support of the rules package being put forward by the Democratic majority. In particular, I applaud the decision to establish a Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, and I thank Chairman McGovern, Speaker Pelosi, and all those who made this a priority. We know that the best motives of Members on both sides of the aisle are too often frustrated by dysfunction in the legislative process, which then makes it difficult for us to deliver on the promises that we give to our constituents and to the Nation. Diminishing congressional resources and, at times, overly centralized decisionmaking have empowered outside interests in the legislative process, and those are interests who don't always have the public interest in mind. Of course, we know that modern-day campaigning demands are running Members ragged. We are increasingly unable to study the material and build the relationships necessary for a healthy legislative institution. We have a responsibility to the people to build a Congress that serves the people well. This is not something that is going to be easy, and it is not something that is going to happen until we make it happen. It will take work, but it is work that needs to be done. The challenges we face as an institution are not entirely new, as my colleague, Congressman Kilmer, just said.…”