Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding the time and for his tireless efforts on this with Mr. Yoho. I have watched as the gentleman has battled this for years. I have worked with him to get cosponsorships. We have had the Animal Protection Caucus having sessions, bringing staff members, having demonstrations of this horrific practice. This is the ninth year that this has been before us. Now, I am pleased that we are here. I am pleased that we are making the case. I am pleased that, tonight, we are going to pass this legislation, although I wish it weren't at 10:30 at night for a few minutes; because there is no guarantee that, even with this case, with the momentum, that we are going to be able to get it through the Senate, where we have seen objection in the past. I hope that this legislation occasions a little bit of soul- searching. The animal protection agenda of this Congress is one of the areas that brings people together, like my two veterinarian friends have shown bipartisan cooperation dealing with the facts, mustering support, being far more patient than I would have. I mean, the last two Congresses, we had 280 cosponsors. We couldn't even get a hearing, let alone get it on the floor. That is outrageous. Now, there is a little bit of political blowback. Some people who are part of that aren't here anymore. I hope that there are some lessons, both in terms of the politics and the basic decency for protection of animal welfare.…”