Bennie Thompson: “Mr. Chairman, my manager's amendment strengthens H.R. 1684 by adding some things and taking out some others. Ninety-two…”

“Mr. Chairman, my manager's amendment strengthens H.R. 1684 by adding some things and taking out some others. Ninety-two percent of the provisions that I am seeking to have removed were items offered for the first time in the committee's mark-up. They were good ideas, but we haven't had the benefit of giving these novel ideas the full consideration they deserve. After the mark-up, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of chairs who had a shared interest in these items. Collaboration is a wonderful thing, Mr. Chairman. In some cases, they offered suggestions to make the bill better. Those changes are contained in this amendment. In other cases, they offered to work together on these issues and other legislative vehicles. So, as a testament to the collaborative spirit of this majority, I offer this amendment. I am well aware that some of my Republican colleagues are complaining about what my amendment does. I am reminded of what LBJ once told an audience: 'Perhaps you can help. Don't just complain, develop a better doctrine.' This Congress, we're developing a better doctrine.”