[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H10333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     UPHOLD THE RULES OF THE HOUSE

  (Mr. WALKER asked and was given permission to address theHouse for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, it is disappointing to watch this 
institution rip itself apart in the way that is happening here today. 
The fact is that every Member of this institution has an obligation to 
the rules of the institution. It is entirely legitimate for Members to 
engage in very tough debate, but they should do it within the rules. 
That is very hard when we all feel very emotional about some of these 
issues and we feel as though the politics of the moment demands that we 
step beyond what is required of us as House Members.
  Mr. Speaker, I thought we all swore a duty to the Constitution of the 
United States. I thought that that is what this institution is supposed 
to be all about. The fact is that what we are witnessing this morning 
is people who put politics above that oath. That is a disappointment. 
It should never happen on this floor. It is obvious that, despite any 
kind of ruling of the Chair, Members are going to proceed because they 
think it is politically feasible for them to do so.

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