[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1564]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               CONTRACT WITH AMERICA VS. 100 HOURS AGENDA

  (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, another day, another closed rule governing 
consideration of legislation in the people's House. The other side 
likes to highlight the bipartisan support for their so-called 100 hours 
agenda. But almost 2\1/2\ weeks into it, Republicans have yet to be 
allowed a single amendment on this floor. No committee hearings, no 
amendments, no alternatives.
  Mr. Speaker, it doesn't have to be this way. In 1995, the process 
under the new Republican majority was far more open. Just look at the 
numbers. The Contract with America was comprised of 24 bills. Only 
three of those bills were considered under a closed rule. Democrats 
were allowed to offer 154 amendments to the Contract with America 
legislation and 48 of those amendments passed.
  Mr. Speaker, the people's House should be a place where all the 
people have a voice, opportunity to offer amendments, alternatives, and 
let the best idea win. Under Democratic rule, that is not the case.

                          ____________________