James Traficant: “I am not addressing and will not address the deplorable plight and condition of the steel industry at this time. But I…”

“I am not addressing and will not address the deplorable plight and condition of the steel industry at this time. But I believe there are some precedents in legal arguments concerning the privileges of the House and its Members to advance privileged resolutions. I would like to make those arguments, and I want to make it clear through the legislative intent and history of today's request for a vote that we are challenging past precedents on the rulings and questions of privilege, and today's efforts are another step forward to bring back to the powers of the House those which the Constitution deems are within the jurisdictional authority of the House. Having said that, specifically article I, section 8 clearly states that Congress shall regulate commerce with foreign nations. Congress. Not the White House, not the Trade Rep, not the World Trade Organization. Although they can assist the Congress, they do not have the mandated authority to undertake the actions necessary for remedy in this condition. And I hope Congress is listening. I know they want to get out of here. But let us not talk about steel. Let us talk about the Constitution.”