Jeff Fortenberry: “I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. I want to point out something about Mr. Gohmert. He was speaking about…”

“I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. I want to point out something about Mr. Gohmert. He was speaking about our military a moment ago. He, himself, is a veteran. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war, and I appreciate his service. Madam Speaker, I also want to share something with the body today. I write a weekly report, generally, called the Fort Report. This week, I sent one that I hoped would have a broader meaning to the House of Representatives and, perhaps, to anyone else who might encounter this. It is entitled, ``Nebraska Values.'' It is stories about America's political and economic and cultural crises. As we all know, they are dominating the headlines across our Nation. There is widespread, bipartisan dissatisfaction with the status quo, and it is propelling a new conversation against the dysfunction and gridlock that have long thwarted effective government here in Washington, D.C. As families across our Nation face pressing challenges, it is sad, but elected officials often prioritize divisive rhetoric instead of empathy and understanding. Now our disagreements have widened into chasms. It is exhausting--exhausting to America's spirit--and it is distracting us from the possibilities that are before us. In the midst of this contentious Presidential primary season, Madam Speaker, maybe it is time to just pause, change the subject, and celebrate some of the best examples that our country has to offer.…”