Political Quotes

“I want to commend the two preceding speakers for recognizing Mr. Brick. All too often I think those that serve us so well do not get the particular commendation that they are so richly deserving of; and I am very pleased that this individual, in the capstone of his distinguished career, received the kind of recognition just provided. Mr. Speaker, this is kick-off day, kick-off of the Rural Caucus. I particularly want to commend the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson); the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton); and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran), my cochairs in the Rural Caucus, in announcing the rebirth of this important endeavor. As a representative of one of the most rural districts in the House, the entire State of North Dakota, I am very pleased with this initiative and proud to be a part of it. In the last 7 years, our Nation's economy has been growing by leaps and bounds. Unemployment rates are at all-time lows, consumer confidence is at an all-time high, the rising stock market is creating unprecedented levels of wealth. But for this sky-rocketing economy for so many Americans, the situation in rural America, our smallest towns and villages across the country, has been quite different. The boom of Wall Street is not meeting necessarily the needs of rural Main Streets. I think rural America is at a serious crossroads tonight.”