Joe Barton: “(Mr. BARTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)”

As dean of the Texas delegation, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Texas, the Honorable Michael Cloud, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no…

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 think it's good to have this and I think it's very good that we try to work to tighten up and, as the gentlelady just said, let's determine what the real intent is and then legislate accordingly.

It is voluntary on a State basis.