Bob Wise: “if the debate is free, and truly free, then why cannot we offer significant amendments for reform? Here is a list of…”

“if the debate is free, and truly free, then why cannot we offer significant amendments for reform? Here is a list of what we can vote for; there is not a list of what we cannot vote for, because you will not permit us to offer certain amendments, and I offer this observation. But today there is no longer an opportunity for Members to fully participate in offering amendments to reform the House as it should be reformed. Students of history should note Bob Wise did not say this, the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon] said that on opening day of 1991. Why is it that those who say they want change--and we all want change--will not permit us to bring to this floor a ban on gifts from lobbyists, a ban on dinners from lobbyists? Is this something radical? It has passed the House twice before. Why can we not bring to the floor the amendment to limit royalties and address another area of concern to the House? If you want change, then you have to vote for it. If you want change, then you have to work for it. If you want change, then you have to let true change flourish, and you have to let us offer these amendments. This is not true change, this is not reform that you are doing. You said you wanted open rules; make them open.”