Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 932. Passed with unanimous consent by the Senate, S. 932 will close loopholes and tighten an already existing prohibition on Members collecting retirement benefits that were accrued during their time in Congress if they are convicted of a crime of public corruption committed during congressional service. Currently, convicted former Members can continue to collect their government pension while going through the judicial appeals process. This bill ends that practice. Public service is often referred to as a ``higher calling,'' and there is no greater professional privilege than to be elected to this body. By sending us here, our constituents place an enormous amount of trust in us, and it is our obligation to reward that trust by carrying out our constitutional responsibilities to them with honor and integrity. That is the contract we agree to when we ask for someone's vote and they give it to us. That compact is the keystone of a legitimate government. It is what separates a democracy from a kleptocracy. The overwhelming majority of our colleagues who serve do so with integrity. They are here for the right reasons. They honor the oath we all swear. They use the powers of the office to further the interests of their constituents, not to unjustly enrich themselves. For those who don't, we must send a clear and unequivocal message that corruption will not be tolerated.…”