Charles Rangel: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, my colleagues, one of the lowest points in my political career was when I asked…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, my colleagues, one of the lowest points in my political career was when I asked for a leave of absence from the chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee. I had thought at that time with my feeling about how important it would be for the entire Nation to have access to quality health care that I did not want to do anything or be anywhere to distract from our leadership, Nancy Pelosi, our leader Steny Hoyer or Jim Clyburn, but most important, the great Members who worked so hard with me and our dedicated staff to get out the first bill on this very important subject. When people ask how do you feel and how are you today, I can report that this has been one of the most historic moments of my life, to be privileged to serve in this great body and to be a part of this legislation that I know that, no matter how long anybody has been in this great legislative body, people will ask, Which side have you been on? And thank God I am on the right side.”