Eva M. Clayton: “I rise in support of congressional reform and in support of several parts of the proposed rules package. No Member in…”

“I rise in support of congressional reform and in support of several parts of the proposed rules package. No Member in this Chamber has a premium on what's best for this Nation. We all have a contract with America. The contract to which each Member is bound, is to work in the best interests of the American people. On election day, we offered our services to this great country, and voters from Rocky Mount, NC, to the Silicone Valley of California, accepted our offer. We all have a contract with America. That contract involves being open to the challenge of change. I will vote for several of the reforms offered in this rules package. However, I will vote against those proposals that are considered dangerous to the stability of the American people or undermine the Constitution of this country. We must get beyond partisan politics and move to the high ground of principle--serving all Americans. But, real reform must include an end to gag rules. There are important amendments that would be offered, amendments designed to improve and perfect this rules package, but Members are muzzled because the majority has insisted on a closed rule for this debate.”