Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Rules and a mentor. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, this place is so broken, it is pathetic. It is interesting to listen to the gentleman from Texas, who is now managing this rule and who regularly lectures us on the importance of regular order and making sure that we have a more open process. The rule that he is bringing before the membership today contains four measures. Three of these measures are being brought to us under completely closed rules. No amendments are made in order. Three of the bills weren't even considered by committees of jurisdiction--no hearings and no markup--yet here we are. What a wonderful process to celebrate. I mean, this place is not functioning. We don't even know whether this rule that we are spending time debating today will even pass because there is such disarray on the Republican side. It is a pathetic way for this Congress to be run. Mr. Speaker, I could be here all day talking about the dysfunction on the other side, but I rise today to applaud two public servants who I think have made this institution a better place. First is our senior professional staff member and director of Member services, Eric Delaney, who will have his last day with us this Friday. Eric is a Philly native and alum of Binghamton University, New York. He has spent over 18 years working for the American people here on Capitol Hill.…”