Richard Gephardt: “this is a great day for a wonderful institution. This is the room where all of the feelings and emotions of the American…”

“this is a great day for a wonderful institution. This is the room where all of the feelings and emotions of the American people on this very important issue get channeled and espoused and spoken as we make a collective decision on what is a very, very important issue for our country, for China, and for the world. I believe and fully expect this debate to be in the tradition of John Quincy Adams and James Madison and Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, and other great voices that have been heard in this building through the years. As I begin the debate, I would like to commend the leaders on both sides of the aisle who have worked to carry on this debate in the highest tradition of the House. I commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) who has led the opposition on our side. There is not a greater proponent of human rights that I know. I want to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) who have worked so hard to espouse their viewpoint. I commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) who is one of the finest people I have ever known in the Congress, who does everything from his heart to do what is right. I honor the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi). There is not a greater fighter for human rights in our Congress than she is and a more staunch advocate for her views. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak on this issue.…”