[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 27084-27085]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 EXPRESSING COMMITMENT OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE TO FOSTERING PRODUCTIVE AND 
               COLLEGIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH 43RD PRESIDENT

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on 
Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the 
resolution (H. Res. 677) expressing the commitment of the Members of 
the House of Representatives to fostering a productive and collegial 
partnership with the 43rd President, and ask for its immediate 
consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  Ms. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, nearly 2 years 
ago I pledged to dedicate my energies toward electing George W. Bush as 
the 43rd President of the United States.
  It is a commitment that many of us in this body make. Whether we are 
Democrats or Republicans, we are drawn to a candidate with whom we 
share values, somebody we can trust to carry the burdens of a large and 
diverse Nation.
  It is not a commitment we make lightly.
  Being a Member of Congress is an all-consuming lifestyle and often we 
find it difficult to even find time for families and friends.
  Yet we sacrifice because the cause compels us to do so.
  My colleague and good friend, the gentleman from Washington State 
(Mr. Dicks) made a similar sacrifice for Vice President Al Gore.
  We saw firsthand the energy and dedication that a campaign can 
instill in the American people.
  People from every walk of life and every background came together to 
comprise the large enthusiastic crowds that brought spirit and life to 
a movement.
  We all experienced the ebb and flow of a long campaign and felt the 
exhilaration of its highs and the disappointments of its lows. We felt 
it deeply because it was inseparable from our own spirit and because 
our investment was in human capital, time away from family and time 
away from friends.
  But the campaign ended. And when the campaign ends, governing begins.
  This treasured body is the soul of governance. Our Founding Fathers 
intended for the House of Representatives to reflect the will of the 
people.
  I believe the will of the people is progress.
  The American people showed extraordinary patience and faith in its 
governing institutions during this long and uncertain Presidential 
election. Let us reward them with progress.
  Today we pledge to form a productive and collegial relationship with 
President-elect Bush.
  Just two nights ago, both President-elect Bush and Vice President 
Gore urged us to put the campaign behind us and begin to develop the 
relationships that will lead to the progress the American people 
deserve.
  I am grateful for their words, and I am encouraged by my colleagues' 
commitment to fostering this relationship.
  Many challenges lie ahead, and I do not assume that all of our 
differences can be easily bridged, yet there is a remarkable agreement 
on the important issues that we must address.
  Mr. Speaker, campaigns end and governing begins.
  I wish all of my colleagues best wishes in this holiday season.
  When we return in the new year, let us begin the work of addressing 
the needs of this great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 677

       Whereas the Presidential election in 2000 was the closest 
     in the Nation's history;
       Whereas both Governor George W. Bush and Vice President 
     Albert Gore campaigned admirably for the Presidency;
       Whereas the closeness of the election led to a long and 
     trying process to determine the winner;
       Whereas both Governor George W. Bush and Vice President 
     Albert Gore have called for national unity;
       Whereas, during this time of uncertainty, the American 
     people have showed extraordinary patience and confidence in 
     the Nation's system of government;
       Whereas it is incumbent upon the Members of the House of 
     Representatives, as elected officials, to demonstrate that 
     the faith of the American people in the Nation's governing 
     institutions is warranted; and
       Whereas the many issues confronting the Nation must be 
     addressed for the benefit of those who have entrusted the 
     Government with their voice, the American people: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Members of the House of Representatives 
     are committed to fostering

[[Page 27085]]

     a productive and collegial partnership with the 43rd 
     President in order to bring comity to the Government and 
     progress to the United States.

  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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