William R. Richardson: “this rule is a gag rule. Here are some facts to clarify to the American people exactly why they lose with this rule.…”

“this rule is a gag rule. Here are some facts to clarify to the American people exactly why they lose with this rule. This restrictive rule prevents members from offering amendments that are important for their constituents. This restrictive rule blocks amendments through arbitrary criteria not found in any rule of the House. It allows the Republicans to pick and choose which amendment they want the House to vote on. This restrictive rule limits debate to 10 hours. Even if the Republicans allowed a Member's amendment, time could run out. The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, is that we will soon be voting on a Republican bill to cut programs which give heat to the elderly, summer jobs for out youth, and educational television and radio to every American. This rule protects the contract with wealthy America at the expense of every middle-class, hard-working American. I urge my colleagues to vote against this restrictive rule and force the Rules Committee to bring up an open and fair rule.”