GOP Rule Changes for the 109th Congress

GOP Rule Changes for the 109th Congress
Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Washington, DC-Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed rule changes governing the House for the 109th Congress. Below is the statement from Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) who voted to uphold strong rules for ethical conduct and opposed the Republican changes:

"Today, on the very first day of the 109th Congress, it is with profound disappointment that I must rise to oppose a proposal put forth by the Republican majority to weaken the rules of ethical conduct which govern the members of this House.

"The rules which govern ethical behavior by members of the House of Representatives are designed to protect the integrity of this institution, the "People's House." These rules are intended to promote public confidence among the American people in both the Congress and its elected members. As elected representatives entrusted by the American people we have a responsibility to hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards by strengthening the ethics process. Unfortunately, the proposed change in the rules of the House make investigating ethics violations more difficult and serve as a partisan shield that undermines the public's confidence in the House and its members. This rule change is a mistake and I strongly oppose it.

"Another rule change proposed by the Republican majority intends to lower the quorum required to do business in the case of a calamitous event that temporarily incapacitates a large number of Members in the absence of full congressional consideration. I have serious concerns that the House Rules Package violates the Constitution by potentially allowing a handful of members to enact laws, declare war, impeach a duly elected President and fulfill all other Article I responsibilities. The long-standing rule on what constitutes a quorum has successfully governed the conduct of Congress during times of war and peace.

"I support the Democratic proposal to maintain the current ethics enforcement that is fair, non-partisan and led to the investigation and formal rebuke of the majority leader, Mr. DeLay. In addition, the Democratic proposal prevents members from negotiating with a corporation, lobby firm, or trade association that has business before the members committee, and provide adequate consideration of legislation by establishing three days for Members to read legislation. These provisions are vital to protecting the integrity of the House and urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the Democratic proposal in the form of a motion to recommit."

http://mccollum.house.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={2ECCE2A9-11A9-4E77-B2CA-83F74BF2DD44}&DE={663CBC2E-6B8F-4E0E-8C8B-D8B1C8F51EE4}