David Thomas: “this is an important day. There were a number of people who never thought it would come about. The argument that the…”

“this is an important day. There were a number of people who never thought it would come about. The argument that the House simply cannot address reform of its own rules, many said, would lead us not to this day. Notwithstanding whatever occurred over in the Senate, we have in front of us two reform pieces of legislation with the opportunity for the minority, on the motion to recommit, to offer some variation that they choose to offer. No one doubts that the job in front of us is a difficult one. As we heard on the rule, there are any number of Members who would like to offer a substitute. As a matter of fact, if we had an open rule, there would probably be 435 different reform procedures, which means everyone could find a home and there would not be a majority to try to bring about change. What we have here are clearly two different approaches to reform: First of all, let me say that I want to commend the gentleman from California [Mr. Fazio] and his staff, and I want to commend the majority on our side of the aisle on the Committee on House Oversight and out staff. Trying to put together a package which meets the various needs of the Members even required an amendment to the rule. I do not think anyone should criticize that process. I think people sent us here to get it right.”