David Price: “We have just learned that the Interior Appropriations bill will be pulled from the floor today. A number of Southern…”

“We have just learned that the Interior Appropriations bill will be pulled from the floor today. A number of Southern ``irreconcilable'' Republican Members apparently planned to vote against the bill, unless it permitted the display of the Confederate battle flag in our national parks and permitted vendors to sell Confederate souvenirs. This is unbelievable, and I say that as a Southern representative. It is unbelievable, after the unspeakable tragedy in Charleston and the action in the South Carolina Legislature yesterday to remove the battle flag from South Carolina's Capitol grounds. But the House Republican leadership last night chose to accommodate the Southern Republican irreconcilables with an amendment, and now, they are pulling the Interior bill, lest the irreconcilables bring it down. Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't have to debate whether a symbol of hatred and oppression in our Nation's darkest hour should be displayed on Federal lands. Is the Republican majority really that out of touch? Let us join together to take down that battle flag. ____________________”