[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 162 (Thursday, December 9, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H8279-H8280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PARTISAN POLITICS IS NOT THE WHOLE STORY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of weeks, the average 
American might have gotten the impression that partisan politics is the 
only force to be reckoned with in Washington, but that is not always 
the case.
  Members of Congress certainly often disagree on how to move our 
country forward. Nevertheless, I am confident that underscoring our 
divergent world views is a bedrock desire to see our country thrive, 
prosper and succeed.
  In fact, I've had conversations with outgoing Representatives from 
parts of the country like Wisconsin and New Jersey who lost elections 
last month. You know what? The thing they pressed home with me was not 
bitterness in defeat. No, it was their desire for me and others to lend 
our support to those who defeated them because they want them to be 
successful as Representatives of their districts and their country.
  Even in defeat, these Members were focused on the betterment of their

[[Page H8280]]

communities and the success of America. They entreated me to help their 
replacements learn the ropes and excel in the House of Representatives.
  Such a perspective is not what makes headlines in the media, but it 
is one that will help us emerge from this difficult economic time 
stronger and more united. This perspective, the demonstration of deep 
character in the midst of defeat, serves our Nation well.
  While the national media pursued tired story lines about partisan 
battles and legislative gridlock, I challenge this dull, status quo 
reporting. The American people deserve to hear that, despite Congress' 
many flaws and shortcomings, there are people here from all across the 
political spectrum who love our country and want nothing more than to 
see us living in prosperity and security.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to praise my outgoing colleagues for their public 
service and their continuing desire for America to be great. We may 
vehemently disagree on public policy, but that does not keep us from 
remembering we are privileged to serve the people of the greatest 
Nation the world has ever known. And I hope no one who serves in the 
Congress ever forgets that.

                          ____________________