Political Quotes

Martin Hoke: “how silly we must look to the people beyond the beltway. They sent us here to govern and to make changes, but what do we…”

On the recordJanuary 31, 1995
how silly we must look to the people beyond the beltway. They sent us here to govern and to make changes, but what do we do? We bicker, we quarrel, we argue. And over what? The things that the American people really want? No. We argue over pointless points of order, we offer a multitude of meaningless amendments. We bicker over supposed insults to each other's honor and integrity in ways that make many people wonder whether we have either. To the folks back home this place must seem more like the children's playground than the people's House. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the minority to get over it and get on with the business of the people, because if we continue to make this august body look more like a playground than a legislature, the American people who have already lost their patience will also lose their hope. The time for play is over. Let us get down to real work.
Said by
Martin Hoke
Republican · Ohio
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Addressing the need for Congress to focus on governance rather than partisan disputes.

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