Politics: The "Art of Compromise"

Floor Speech

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Senate leader Harry Reid has been the most ardent proponent of his party's no-compromise, no-negotiation stance. The leader has even been unwilling to discuss a compromise to prevent a prolonged government shutdown.

We are moving into the second week of this shutdown. In an effort to avoid being labeled as an ``obstructionist,'' the Senate leader has ordered a stance--at least rhetorically--and now claims there has already been compromise.

I would say to the Senate leader that there has been some compromise, but not in the Senate Chamber. The compromise has come from 57 Democrats who joined with the majority in the House to pass targeted appropriations bills that will fund key departments and programs.

Mr. Speaker, politics is often referred to as the ``art of compromise.'' It is essential to the legislative process and surely vital to a functioning democracy. I commend my 57 Democratic colleagues in the House who understand this, and I encourage more to join them as we continue to pass targeted appropriations this week.

Unfortunately, not until both Chambers start compromising will we be able to end this shutdo

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