Political Quotes

“It is very apparent to me, listening to the debate, that the gentleman from Colorado is trying to obfuscate the real issue. We all agree that we will take up the appropriation bill that will finally fund the Government for the rest of this year. That should have been done 7 months ago, but the Republicans did not do it. The real issue is whether we will have two things to do. One is a minimum wage, and the other is the appropriation bill. We can do both. All we have to do is defeat the previous question. We could tell Speaker Gingrich and the gentleman from Texas, Dick Armey, 'Sorry, boys, we are going to vote on a minimum wage in the House of Representatives. We are going to defeat the previous question.' If Members are not for the minimum wage, they will vote for the previous question. If they are for the minimum wage, they will vote against the previous question. It is a very easy vote. And, by defeating the previous question, we amend the rule. The rule then passes. We have passed the appropriation bill. We send it to the President. The Government keeps on running. And soon thereafter, because of this amendment, we will be voting on a minimum wage. That is what we should be doing. What is wrong with the Speaker?”