Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this is a gag rule pure and simple. It is not needed at this particular time. There is plenty of time to deal with this legislation. If we pass this legislation tomorrow or today, the other body will not be able to move on it until after they come back. If we pass it the day after we come back from the recess, the other body can still consider the legislation within sufficient time to meet the June 30 deadline. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition, and I say this with great respect for my good friend, the chairman of the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from New York, who has given us another gag rule. I also object to the extraordinary way in which this bill was brought to the floor and the way in which the minority's rights have been trampled. There are two rules that have been dealt with unfavorably: One is the 3-day requirement with regard to the minority having opportunity to file minority views, and the other is a provision which requires a 3-day layover. Neither of these needs to be waived at this time. This is a closed rule. It is an unfair rule. It is a restrictive rule. It prevents Members from offering amendments other than one substitute that requires any and all amendments to be packaged into one, regardless of whether they are consistent with each other.”