Political Quotes

“I thank the ranking member for yielding. I rise in opposition to this record-breaking closed rule, the 50th closed rule in a year, which is more than any time in any yearly period previously. I think our rules should be open. I think closed rules are not good for this institution regardless of who does it, and I would urge the majority party to think about open rules so that the legislature can truly work its way. The legislation itself includes a handful of measures that I authored--I am happy about that--to require reporting on Russia's role in the Balkans, including Serbia's defense relationship with Russia; to enhance congressional oversight of changes made to policies and legal interpretations that govern security operations; a strategy to improve transparency and civilian protection in Nigeria; and a requirement for a Defense Department official to protect cultural heritage, the looting and trafficking of which is a funding source for terrorism. We voted on that here on the floor and it has passed. I am also pleased that we have included continued support for Israel's missile defense. This system is critical to Israel's security, considering the threats that Israel faces from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Mr. Speaker, even though I am ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am glad to see these measures in this bill because they all belong in this bill. They are related to our national security.…”