Vol. 155 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009 No. 33
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, America is blessed to be led by the most eloquent spokesperson on the planet, but Barack Obama very well knows, as we do, that it's not enough to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. The first step on that very rocky road begins tomorrow with the budget submission.
If the private sector is not willing to make the loans, to start the businesses, to hire the people necessary to get this economy back on its feet, then the public sector has to step up to the plate. But if we are going to be faithful to our children's future, then we are going to have to pay for the cost of this stimulus package and this budget submission, and that means that we are going to have to increase revenue so that we can ultimately balance this budget.
Democrats did that during the Clinton administration, and it worked, we generated budget surpluses and people at the highest tax rates brought home more after tax income than at any other time in American history. I know we have the courage to do that today, but the Republican Party also has to come up with a more constructive mantra than just saying ``no.'' f CHANGE OUR PRACTICES ON EARMARKS (Mr. FLAKE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, it was recently reported by Politico that ``FBI agents have spent months laying the groundwork for their current investigation, including conducting research on earmarks and campaign contributions.'' With this as a backdrop, today we will consider a privileged resolution asking the Ethics Committee to conduct an investigation. This is not a
111 th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the Speaker's approval of the Journal.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
f PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SAM JOHNSON) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
f ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair will entertain up to 15 requests for 1-minute speeches on each side of the aisle.
f INCREASE REVENUE TO BALANCE THIS BUDGET (Mr. MORAN of Virginia asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) H2633
IB U U NU M Congressional Record United States S The House met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. HOLDEN).
f DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Speaker: WASHINGTON, DC, February 25, 2009.
I hereby appoint the Honorable TIM HOLDEN to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. NANCY PELOSI, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
f PRAYER The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P.
Coughlin, offered the following prayer: With our eyes fixed firmly on the coming of spring and on You, the creator of the whole universe, we resolve to hold fast to lasting values and the transcendent gifts of peace because of Your many blessings upon this Nation.
Yet we are called to renew our sense of equal justice and our equilibrium in a globalized world. Let the changes we embrace as disciplines because we are disciples in faith build our confidence in the future.
May prayer lift us beyond self-interest. May fasting bring us to the freedom to say, ``That's enough.'' May our prayer and fasting lead us to greater compassion for others and great deeds of charity for those most in need. Since we are created in Your own image and likeness, we see You reflected in all Your people, especially those whom we serve in Your holy name.
Amen.
f THE JOURNAL The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House his approval thereof.
g the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m.
han spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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