James Oberstar: “It is remarkable to note in that debate that not a single question was raised by either Democrat or Republican about…”

“It is remarkable to note in that debate that not a single question was raised by either Democrat or Republican about labor issues. Not a single question. It passed on a voice vote in the House. It passed overwhelmingly on suspension later on when the conference report came back. Not a single question was raised about labor rights at a time when there are the same issues as there are today. So if we want to talk about consistency, one might be reminded by Samuel Pepys, the British poet and writer who said, ``Consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.'' Because there is not consistency. There is a significant change in what has happened with Amtrak and with the issues underlying the effective operation of Amtrak. But that is not what I want to discuss at this time. There will be time, plenty of time in the general debate and on the amendments later. What I rise for here is objection to the rule that was crafted. It is not a fair rule. Democrats were not given an opportunity to offer pinpointed, specific amendments.”