On the recordMarch 3, 2015
Ladies and gentlemen, I have to tell you that the only reason we are here is because of the unique procedural posture that the Senate finds itself in, and that unique posture is a perversion of the democratic principles upon which our Republic was based. We would not be here if it weren't for the modern filibuster and cloture rule which requires 60 votes to do anything. Last week, Harry Reid made it clear that he would not support going to conference. Jefferson was very clear when he set up the procedures for this place. Each House makes an independent decision, then you get together in conference and work out your differences; but, because of the unique position of the Senate's processes, that cannot happen in these circumstances. We should not reward the Senate for their bad behavior. We should reject this motion and force a new discussion on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I submit that all we are doing is rewarding the Senate for having bad rules and bad process.
