[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 31 (Wednesday, March 12, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            MUTUAL RESPECT IS VITAL FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

  (Mr. FORBES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, replacing bitterness and a mean-spirited 
tack with mutual respect is vital to the effectiveness of this most 
democrat of institutions. Here in Congress, as we approach the 
challenges of this great Nation, we must renew our focus on the manner 
in which we do our work. It is here that the spirit of civility and 
bipartisanship must come alive if we are to build on the richness that 
is our heritage.
  Every one of us has a vested interest to ensure that we as Members of 
Congress work together with abiding respect and uncompromising 
civility. Our ability to honor one another, while engaging in vigorous 
and thoughtful debate, goes to the heart of this institution and the 
people's faith in each and every one of us. Ultimately, restoring 
trust, dignity and comity will lead us to succeed on behalf of all of 
the American people. The people deserve nothing less, and they demand 
it.

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