Tony Hall: “I will oppose the rule, Madam Speaker, and ask to defeat the previous question because it fails to make in order an…”

“I will oppose the rule, Madam Speaker, and ask to defeat the previous question because it fails to make in order an amendment offered by the gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Gejdenson] to prohibit the use of $7.9 million previously set aside in a contingency fund for use by House committees. I am reluctant to oppose this rule because the bill which funds the Congress is critical for operating our national Government. Furthermore, I am reluctant on the grounds that just a single amendment has been denied. However, that single amendment is so important to the integrity of this institution that my side has no choice but to force a debate on the issue. Madam Speaker, I believe that a woeful and gross violation of the House rules may have occurred in connection with the approval of $1.4 million out of the committee reserve fund for an investigation into labor laws and union activity. Even if such a violation did not occur, there has been an unmistakable breach in the commitments made on this House floor and a demonstration of contempt for the American taxpayers who will foot the bill for this unnecessary investigation.”