[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 24, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           DO NOT GAG AMERICA

  (Mr. BONIOR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I have here the fundamental contract with 
America, the Constitution of the United States. And the first amendment 
of that contract says that the Congress shall make no laws abridging 
the freedom of speech. But what is going on in this House in the past 2 
weeks is a clear violation of the spirit of that contract.
  Last night the Republican leader reneged on one of the first promises 
of reform and instituted a policy that will make it impossible--
impossible--for Members of either party to be on the floor or to be in 
committee to debate important issues. This is just one, just one in a 
series of efforts by the Republican majority to shut down debate and 
gag the voices of the American people. Committees are being adjourned 
prematurely, the right to hearings is being refused, and minority 
Members are being denied the right to question witnesses.
  Mr. Speaker, the Contract With America cannot be used as an excuse to 
gag America or shut down the Constitution, and we will not stand for 
it.

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