Kenny Hulshof: “I have to admit, Mr. Speaker, that it is with conflicting emotion that I rise, as is my custom, to report on the annual…”

“I have to admit, Mr. Speaker, that it is with conflicting emotion that I rise, as is my custom, to report on the annual Hoops for Hope basketball game, an intense athletic contest between Members of Congress and representatives of the lobbying community. Normally, I'm accompanied with a handsome trophy indicating the success of our athletic endeavors. In fact, seven times out of the last 9 years said hardware has joined me here at the table. Alas, I will admit the absence of said hardware suggests the outcome of last Monday night's game. The lobbyists defeated the Members team 45-36. Now, some point out that the enhanced lobbying disclosure rules that have been passed are to blame in that we were unable to utilize secret plays. I often point out that the universe from which the teams are drawn, the universe of lobbyists, of course numbers in the thousands, indeed the tens of thousands from which they can draw their athletic team whereas we, on the other hand, are limited by a finite number of 535. One observer of the game wryly noted that he hoped the Members of Congress team were current on their dues to the local bricklayers union in that, shall we say, our shooting percentage was not that good. The bright spot, however, as is the case every year, is that significant funds were raised for local charities.”