Dick Chrysler: “Mr. Speaker, in 1994 I pledged to my constituents that we would restore accountability and responsibility to the U.S.…”

“Mr. Speaker, in 1994 I pledged to my constituents that we would restore accountability and responsibility to the U.S. House of Representatives. Today we embark on that journey. The American people were sincere in their demand for change for this country, and their Government in particular. In response to this clarion call for a change, the 104th Congress will not just change its politics, but more importantly, we will restore the bonds of trust between the people and their elected representatives. If we are to change the Federal Government as the American people have asked us to do, then we must begin with ourselves. We can not and must not ask any department or branch of Government to do anything that we are not willing to do ourselves. It will take a smaller Congress and committee structure that can act decisively to accomplish all of the things that will be necessary to fulfill our Contract With America in the next 99 days. A streamlined Congress is integral to an efficient Congress. When this debate is over, this bill passed, committees eliminated, and committee staff reduced, I am confident that the House of Representatives will be a more effective and efficient institution.”