Lloyd Bentsen: “I rise against the rule. Once again, it appears that the average Members of the House, Republicans and Democrats, cannot…”

“I rise against the rule. Once again, it appears that the average Members of the House, Republicans and Democrats, cannot be trusted to legislate, even though that is what we were sworn in to do. The Committee on Rules and the Republican leadership have decided what amendments will be made in order. The gentleman from Colorado says the chairman of the Committee on Rules needs to have a managed rule so he can manage this bill through. I am not sure what the hurry is. I guess because we have to get out for another recess. This has been a Congress more of recesses than a Congress of action, even on important issues like bankruptcy reform. The problem with this bill and the problem with this rule is the Republicans for so long, since I have been in Congress, have always been talking about returning powers to the States. But this bill in sections 181 and 182 preempt State law with respect to the State constitutions dealing with homestead, particularly in my home State of Texas.”