David Obey: “Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day for me personally. Thirty-four years ago today, I was sworn in as a new Member of this…”

“Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day for me personally. Thirty-four years ago today, I was sworn in as a new Member of this body. I was inspired by the idea that this institution was supposed to represent. This institution is supposed to be the people's House. This institution, more than any other, is supposed to reflect the public will. This institution has been known through the years as the greatest parliamentary body in the world. Mr. Speaker, I think the rule that is bringing this crucial piece of legislation to the floor today represents a fundamental corruption of the democratic processes of this House and this country. I want to explain why. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a $70 billion bill to try to pay for the cost of a war which, it is hoped, will bring 'democracy' to Iraq. Yet, democracy is being fundamentally denied on this House floor this morning.”