[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 14, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H5463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
 DEMOCRATS HAVE NO INTENTION OF WORKING WITH REPUBLICANS THIS YEAR ON 
                                ANYTHING

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, this week The Washington Post reported a 
startling admission. One of the leaders of the liberal wing of the 
Democratic party stated point blank that Democrats have no intention of 
working with Republicans this year on anything. In fact, they would 
rather play politics with seniors, with children, with working families 
than pass legislation to help America stay strong and prosperous.
  Listen to this quote given by the distinguished gentleman from 
Massachusetts, a hero to liberals everywhere. ``It is not our 
responsibility to legislate anymore. It doesn't make sense for us to 
compromise.''
  I certainly do appreciate the gentleman's candor, but let us think 
about this idea that it does not make sense for us to compromise. What 
he means is that it does not make political sense for Democrats to 
compromise. They want to block Republican bills, then turn around and 
blame extremist Republicans for failing to pass important legislation.
  Is this what Democrats stand for? What happened to their call for 
civility and bipartisan cooperation? Why do they now want to be 
obstructionists?

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