Jim Baird: “the resolution we are preparing to consider, the proposed rules for the 109th Congress, in my judgment violates the…”

“the resolution we are preparing to consider, the proposed rules for the 109th Congress, in my judgment violates the United States Constitution which we were just sworn to uphold and defend. It does so by allowing a very limited number of Members, potentially only a handful, to constitute the House of Representatives. Article 1, section 5 of the Constitution states that ``each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its Members, and a majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a small Number adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent Members.'' Unfortunately, H. Res. 5 seeks to allow a small number not just to adjourn or compel attendance, as the Constitution stipulates, but to enact laws, declare war, impeach the President, and fulfill all other article I responsibilities. Just moments ago everyone in this body took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, and now our first official vote is by rule to undermine a fundamental principle of that Constitution, i.e., what is a quorum.”