Roy Cooper: “I am an unlikely radical. I called for a motion to adjourn today, that disrupted normal House business, in order to…”

“I am an unlikely radical. I called for a motion to adjourn today, that disrupted normal House business, in order to highlight one of the smelliest pieces of legislation in recent memory. Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and this bill, although it is labeled as helpful to our military men and women, needs lots of sunshine and lots of disinfectant so that a new, improved bill can be truly helpful to our military. I felt compelled to rise in reluctant opposition to H. Res. 126 and H.R. 878, the rule for debate and the 'Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act.' I am one of the strongest supporters of our National Guard and Reserve, but this bill is not good enough for them. It only grants a tiny fraction of the tax relief that our Guard and Reserve deserve, and it is a bill loaded with special interest provisions that have nothing to do with the Guard and Reserve. Fortunately, the Republicans have now pulled the bill from the floor because I think they were beginning to notice the stink that their legislation was causing. I hope that we will vote on an improved bill very soon because our service men and women deserve a clean, strong bill to give them tax relief now. Newspapers across the nation have denounced H.R. 878 with headlines such as, 'Help Soldiers, Not Gamblers,' but many members still feel compelled to vote for it on final passage because it does still contain some relief for our men and women in uniform. That is a devil's bargain.”