David Minge: “this evening we have the opportunity to implement a reform that is being demanded by America. Term limits of committee…”

“this evening we have the opportunity to implement a reform that is being demanded by America. Term limits of committee chairs and subcommittee chairs is something that has arrived in terms of American political thought. This is not directed towards any particular committee Chair or subcommittee Chair. However, it is a part of trying to constantly improve and renew the American political process. Imposing term limits on those that serve in leadership capacity will broaden the base of experience and expertise of people that provide the all-important leadership in this institution. By rotating the leadership, we are turning it over. We are bringing in fresh blood new ideas, new ways of thinking. We can be more responsive to the needs of America. We can also avoid the parochial service that has occasionally occurred when a person is focused on his narrow area. It also breaks down what might be characterized as cozy relationships that can build up over an extended period of time, and assures that we have the freshness, the openness, and the access that all Members need in order to fully participate in the process of this institution, and most effectively represent the interests of their congressional districts and the interests of America. So, Mr. Speaker, I think that this is an important bipartisan effort, and I appreciate the opportunity that we now have this evening to cast a vote on this and hopefully implement this as a reform in our body.”