Thomas Foley: “it has been one interesting week here; and if my colleagues read the media and listened to the noise and the clatter…”

“it has been one interesting week here; and if my colleagues read the media and listened to the noise and the clatter, one would think that nothing is ever getting done in this building. I opened the Washington Times today and I found a very thoughtful article that I will enter into the Record written by Gary Andres. Let me read the headline: ``The Little Engine That Could. Hill Bipartisanship Helps Pass Important Legislation.'' I will read the article: ``The noisy rub of grinding partisanship drowns out most other sounds on Capitol Hill these days. Controversies about congressional ethics and confirming judges not only threaten to jam the legislative gears, but also fuel the media's motor. Yet, a closer peek under the lawmaking hood reveals a quietly humming bipartisan engine. Despite roaring hyperbole from some Democratic congressional leadership offices, a significant number of rank-in-file minority party members are joining Republicans to pass an impressive list of significant accomplishments.'' This is maybe why they fear the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) and tried to characterize him in some of the meanest ways. Listen to the scorecard: ``So far this year in the House,'' thanks to the leadership of the gentleman from Texas (Mr.…”