[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 359]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A RETURN TO AMERICA'S HIGHEST IDEALS

  (Mr. FORTENBERRY asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, this week the Members of the 114th 
United States Congress took their oaths of office. Families and friends 
from around the country came to participate in this great American 
tradition of representative democracy and to support their loved ones. 
I was pleased that my own wife and five daughters were here with me as 
well.
  The start of a new Congress is always an exciting time to renew our 
government and the promise of America, but as we all know, we face 
tremendous challenges. Political dysfunction and partisan gridlock have 
made smart and effective government very difficult here.
  An arthritic economic recovery has dimmed the financial prospects of 
too many small businesses and their families. In our time of social 
fracture, more and more people are feeling directionless and alone.
  Mr. Speaker, as I often like to say, there is nothing wrong in 
America that can't be fixed by what is right in America, but this will 
require bold resolve, innovative public policy, and a return to our 
highest ideals.
  We must restore our economic vibrancy through responsible government, 
reclaiming our best traditions, and building a culture of life that 
respects the dignity and rights of all persons.
  Let's repurpose Washington. Let's turn our country around.

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