Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, again, we have had the opportunity here tonight and before to have a very open bipartisan process. And that is not what we have had, and that is quite regrettable. It is regrettable from not only a standpoint of this institution, but it is regrettable for the American people. You know, all the proven successful surface reauthorization bills and wastewater reauthorization bills, they went through a thorough bipartisan process. That is not what we have had. Instead, we have just had lip service. When House Republicans held the majority, we led every successful bipartisan effort in the last 30 years to reauthorize surface transportation programs. However, this time around, there has been little opportunity for meaningful input from the minority, and this en bloc process just continues down that same road. Look no further than the number of Democrat amendments that we have considered today, many of which have not been subjected to the scrutiny of a standalone vote or debate. More than 100 Democrat amendments have been approved by the Rules Committee, while less than 30 Republican amendments have been made in order. The majority argues they are moving this through regular order and providing both sides with the opportunity to offer amendments. That is not true.…”