On the recordOctober 5, 2013
I want to, again, commend Mr. Smith. He, indeed, has reached across to try to work together. By referencing the shutdown in 1995, there is a difference, and it begins at the top. Sadly, the President of the United States 2 weeks ago last night called to announce he was not going to negotiate. In the 1995 shutdown there was communication between the President and the Speaker prior to a shutdown and during the entire shutdown. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana, Dr. John Fleming, my friend and colleague.
