Joe Barton: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I am here under protest. I don't do getaway hearings, and I darned sure don't do hearings…”

I think that Mr. Flores and Mr. Shimkus have done a very good job in trying to patch together a compromise bill that's good politics.

I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for her kind words. I appreciate the nice gift I got yesterday from her and her husband, his new book, ``The Dean.'' I look forward to reading it over Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the…

That's hard to stomach. We wouldn't be having this discussion if there wasn't a general agreement that your company has discriminated against conservatives, most of whom happen to be Republican.

You can tell that you have been president of a national organization. I am throwing you softballs, and you are being very ecumenical.