On the recordDecember 9, 2015
I have just one comment to make in response to the gentleman from Massachusetts. If the definition of regular order is only considering those issues that the administration approves of, then what really is our function here as a Congress? Should we just put a sign out that says that we are closed until a new administration comes along? It seems to me that we have a duty to the American people to consider issues that are important from the majority's perspective. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I will just respond to the gentleman by saying that my objection is that we have become a place where trivial issues get debated passionately and important ones not at all. The difference between debating a Texas landgrab bill that is going nowhere versus a bill that could protect the American people from terror suspects who now have access to buy guns, I don't think there is any comparison here. The difference between doing this Texas landgrab bill and actually passing a bill to keep the government running, I think passing a bill to keep the government running is more important. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Hahn). {time} 1400
