William Luther: “President Clinton's message last night was the message I heard from the Minnesotans I represent throughout last fall's…”

“President Clinton's message last night was the message I heard from the Minnesotans I represent throughout last fall's campaign: If you work hard and play by the rules, you should be rewarded by a chance at achieving the American dream. As a new Member of this body, Mr. Speaker, I came here to achieve results on a bipartisan basis for the people of my district. I applaud this Congress for its quick action on congressional reform but, Mr. Speaker, I say to the Members, that is just the beginning. We must now get to work and fight to improve the lives of everyday Americans. Middle-class families are crying out for jobs that pay a liveable wage, for an education that provides the tools for the future, for affordable health care for themselves and their kids, and for streets free of violence and drugs. These are the reasons we were elected, to improve the lives of our fellow Americans. Mr. Speaker, let us accept the President's challenge, stop the gridlock and bickering, and get on with making a better tomorrow. Let us begin today.”