Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, Father Conroy has served this institute honorably for the past seven years. He is only one of two Roman Catholic clerics ever to have served as pastor for the U.S. House of Representatives since the founding of our Republic 229 years ago, of 60 who have served. As an elected officer of this House, the Chaplain serves as its spiritual leader, abiding the heavy weight that the Chaplain bears for hundreds of Members, their families, hundreds more staff members, visitors and others who seek guidance and help. From what is trickling out in the media, this political crucifixion of Father Conway was executed following a visit from Speaker Paul Ryan's Chief of Staff in which Fr. Conway's resignation was demanded. Fr. Conroy complied. He transmitted a letter of resignation under coercion on April 15. On April 16, under cover of convoluted parliamentary procedure, with the vast membership of this institution unnoticed and unaware, Speaker Ryan requested ascension from the entire body. But who in this House even knew procedurally what was occurring? There was no notice. There was no prior House official proceeding to hear this matter. There was no one to object as no Member other than the Speaker and his inner circle knew what the Speaker was demanding. In such an important matter of a human being's life and reputation, what happened to our House Rules? What happened to regular order? This forced resignation is without cause. It is unprecedented. It is wrong.…”