[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 2 (Thursday, January 5, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     GIVE AND TAKE NEEDED IN HOUSE

  (Mr. RICHARDSON asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, yesterday belonged to the Republican 
majority, and there were moments of grace and class, and we did pass 
some needed reforms. But there was an absence of bipartisanship and an 
absence of openness in the process.
  The Republicans were two for two. Out of two bills we considered, 
there were two closed rules, two gag rules, where the minority was 
unable to offer alternatives.
  The American people voted for less government and more ethics and 
accountability. They did not vote for arrogant government, for one-
party coronations. They voted for bipartisanship and an end to 
gridlock. We wanted to raise the gift ban, the royalties issues, and 
the frequent flier issue, but were shut off.
  Mr. Speaker, the best contract with America is give and take, 
compromise, openness, and bipartisanship. Regrettably, yesterday was 
not a good start.

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