Louise Slaughter: “the snow blanketing the ground outside is enough to make us think fondly of baseball spring training which is being…”

“the snow blanketing the ground outside is enough to make us think fondly of baseball spring training which is being conducted in summer climes over the South and West. The spring training analogy seems appropriate for this rule which is governing the consideration of H.R. 800, the Education Flexibility Partnership Act. We have been in session for about 2 months, and we have seen a procession of open rules on legislation which, frankly, would have been well received by the Suspension Calendar. Today the House ends its legislative spring training and begins its regular season with a significant initiative on education. The first pitch from my friends on the other side of the aisle is a fast ball under the chin, an unnecessarily restrictive rule severely limiting amendments and debate. By clinging to its insistence on preprinting amendments in the Congressional Record, the majority on the committee is trying to pitch a shutout against Members who have had, previously, precious little time to consider a bill which was reported by the committee of jurisdiction only 2 days ago, and Members have had to contend with that snowstorm that hardly let them into town. As a result of a party line vote on the Committee on Rules, the rule House Resolution 100 swings and misses by capping debate time at 5 hours, and including under that cap the time it takes to vote on amendments. Mr. Speaker, we are talking about educating our children and preparing them for the game of life.…”