Political Quotes

“I think I thank the gentleman from Ohio for that introduction. Since 1857, if I count correctly, John Sullivan is the 19th Parliamentarian we have had in the House of Representatives, even though the term actually wasn't used officially until 1927. But of those Parliamentarians in the 20th century, Lewis Deschler served for 46 years as Parliamentarian, and I believe his replacement, William Brown, served for 20 years. So John, in all sincerity, serving only 8 years as the Parliamentarian here makes you a Parliamentarian slacker. I think a couple more years would be appropriate if you'd like to reconsider and stay with us. But through those almost 8 years as the Parliamentarian, 20-plus years working in that office, your ability to help the majority meet its goals while at the same time respecting the minority is not an easy task. But John Sullivan did do it with aplomb. Former Senator Eugene McCarthy once said, The Senate has rules, but none of them over there care about it. In the House, the House rules are too complex. Don't learn them; just ask the Parliamentarian. I think for all of us, we do that. I do know from my time in the chair, Parliamentarians do not like ad libbing. There is one time I simply turned to John and said, Why don't we just mike you, and I will move my lips. I still think that would be far more appropriate, but I don't think anyone in his office found that funny.…”