[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H2451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SUPPORT FOR THE MAJORITY LEADER

  (Mr. SHUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, we are now 4 months into the 109th Congress 
and Republicans have passed bankruptcy reform, repealed the death tax, 
adjusted class action lawsuits to help victims, enacted border security 
to keep out terrorists, passed a budget and wartime funding, 
strengthened job training for millions and passed the highway bill. 
Meanwhile, the House Democrats have not proposed an agenda, but instead 
have remained negative, obstructive and focused on partisan attacks.
  I rise today to support the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. DeLay), not because he has proven to be an effective leader, but 
because he has been a victim of political game-playing and a relentless 
media, a media not focused on policies that have helped millions of 
Americans lead better lives, but instead focused on tabloid attacks on 
our leader.
  Time and time again, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) has 
requested to appear in front of the ethics committee. He has requested 
this opportunity to prove his innocence and put an end to these 
meritless accusations, accusations that are based upon nothing but pure 
partisan rhetoric.
  Democrats' attack on the Republican majority leader is nothing but a 
coordinated agenda to stop an effective leader from accomplishing the 
people's business.
  Ethics is an issue that should not be taken lightly. The committee in 
Congress should not be used as a partisan tool. We need to get back to 
debating the principles to make America a better place.

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