Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, I have to tell you
that the only reason we are here is because of the unique procedural
posture that the Senate finds itself in, and that unique posture is a
perversion of the democratic principles upon which our Republic was
based.

We would not be here if it weren't for the modern filibuster and
cloture rule which requires 60 votes to do anything. Last week, Harry
Reid made it clear that he would not support going to conference.

Jefferson was very clear when he set up the procedures for this
place. Each House makes an independent decision, then you get together
in conference and work out your differences; but, because of the unique
position of the Senate's processes, that cannot happen in these
circumstances.

We should not reward the Senate for their bad behavior. We should
reject this motion and force a new discussion on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I submit that all we are doing is rewarding the Senate
for having bad rules and bad process.

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