Steny Hoyer: “I am proud to be joined by House Democratic Whip Clyburn, House Democratic Caucus Chair Emanuel, Vice Chair Larson, and…”

“I am proud to be joined by House Democratic Whip Clyburn, House Democratic Caucus Chair Emanuel, Vice Chair Larson, and of course the distinguished chairwoman of the Rules Committee in sponsoring House Resolution 78. This measure will restore voting rights in the Committee of the Whole for the four House Delegates and Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. In fact, this measure is identical in substance to the rule that operated successfully--and constitutionally--from 1993 to 1995. The purpose of this resolution is simple: To honor democracy in every corner of the United States of America; To provide that all people who are subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the United States have a voice in their national legislature; and To give to the elected representatives of the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa and Puerto Rico-- constituent parts of this country--the ability to register their views and take a stance on issues that are considered in the most important and representative committee of the house: the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union.”