Political Quotes

“I rise in defense of the freshmen House Republicans. They have been unfairly maligned. Blaming them for this Government shutdown is like blaming the followers of the Pied Piper for being mesmerized by him. They voted with Speaker Gingrich 92.3 percent of the time in 1995. Marching in lockstep with him is the only step that they know. No, we should give credit where credit is due. Speaker Gingrich is individually as responsible for this shutdown as he was for the cry-baby shutdown in November. He could end personally this shutdown in 15 minutes this morning if he would simply put Republican Bob Dole's resolution here for a vote. Mr. Speaker, I believe there would be bipartisan support for it from almost every member of the Democratic caucus and some of the Republicans, but instead of letting people of moderation, of good will, work together to end this shutdown and the $40 million a day that it costs the American taxpayer, they are asking that the Speaker be given extraordinary power to recess this body until January 23. That is simply fanaticism run amok in this body.”