Joe Barton: “I have served on this committee since 1986. I have served with three of the four former Chairmen.”

I was in Senate Chamber trying to prevent a hold on H.R. 7217. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 434. ____________________

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.

This is a really, really good bill. I hope we have a great hearing.

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