Congresswoman Capito and Congressman Cleaver Host Fist "Civility Hour"

CONGRESSWOMAN CAPITO AND CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HOST FIRST "CIVILITY HOUR"

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) took to the House floor last evening with Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) to conduct the inaugural "Civility Hour" debate on the issue of taxation. The debate marks the first formal action of the Civility Taskforce, chaired by Rep. Capito, which is aimed at promoting civility in the halls of Congress.

"Members of Congress have almost always had respect for the institution in which we serve, but unfortunately it seems that respect often ends there," said Capito. "We all need to do a better job - Republicans and Democrats alike - of respecting the differing opinions and philosophies of our colleagues in order to end the attacks and partisan squabbles that have led us away from civil, respectful debate in Congress. I appreciate my friend and colleague, Rep. Cleaver, for his leadership and efforts to help bring civility back to this institution."

Rep. Cleaver, founding member of the Civility Taskforce, added, "Congresswoman Capito and I, while friends, passionately disagree on many subjects, but we are attempting to model how to agree to disagree and work towards the common good of the people we serve. The United States Congress has been the home of great orators and great ideas. However, we have devolved into the politics of personal destruction instead of personal conviction. We were sent to Congress to fight for what we believe is right, but we can fight the good fight without hatred or ill will. If Congress can not regain its capacity for civility, we demean one of the world's great democratic institutions and devalue the people we represent."

Rep. Capito was asked to chair the Civility Taskforce by Rep. David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, on which Capito serves. The goal of the Civility Taskforce is to provide an outlet to educate members of Congress on the importance of civility by highlighting a civil debate on an often divisive issue - like taxation - that often leads to a lack of civility during floor debate.

Last night's Civility Hour was the first call for other members of Congress to join the taskforce and participate with future debates that model passion for a point of view without malice toward the opposing member.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=195&whichone=pr