Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding. Madam Speaker, the last time this Nation passed major tax reform, yours truly weighed 112 pounds at the beginning of wrestling season. I had a full head of hair, I never set foot west of Mississippi, nor outside the United States of America. Madam Speaker, the last time this country addressed tax reform, the Soviet Union was welcoming a new leader named Mikhail Gorbachev. It has been too long. It is an honor to represent the Fifth District of Virginia because I think it is historically unique. I have spoken from this podium and this floor about the amazing characteristics of that particular historical region. Among the great individuals from the Fifth District of Virginia was a flawed man, an imperfect man, a slaveowner named Jefferson, who gave us a near-perfect document, named the ``Declaration of Independence.'' While not perfect, Jefferson had perfect insight, and, perhaps, you could argue he was prescient when it is said that he said: ``I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.'' It has been enlightening tonight to stand on this floor. If you are watching at home, I suppose that you can turn the volume down on C- SPAN, because I don't intend to yell, as so many others have before me.…”