Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), my good friend, for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, we are here today to consider a rule that provides for consideration of two items. Today's rule establishes a process for consideration of H.R. 6800, what the majority is calling the HEROES Act, but what is better described as an 1800-page, $3 trillion Democratic list of policy priorities. The rule proposes the most consequential change in the rules of the House of Representatives during my time in Congress. The change to the House rules covers two key areas: First, it would impose, for the first time in our history as an institution, a system of proxy voting on the floor of the House of Representatives. That change also allows for the adoption of totally remote voting upon the certification of a single Member of Congress, Chairman Lofgren, of a technology for that use. Second, it would also allow committees to operate remotely and approve legislation remotely. Madam Speaker, I said quite a bit about these rules changes at our committee meeting yesterday, and I continue to stand by those comments. I believe these changes will fundamentally alter the nature of the institution, and not for the better. We must never forget that the House is part of a Congress--literally, a physical meeting between delegates. When we move to acting remotely, we lose that fundamental aspect of our character.…”