[captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2011] the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's room, washington, d.c., january 6, 2011. i hereby appoint the honorable michael k. simpson to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, john a. boehner, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by the chaplain.

chaplain coughlin: you, o god, are our refuge and our strength . history has taught us you are a helper close at hand in times of distress. we shall not even fear even when the whole earth is unstable and seems to rock. our human fraility has revealed that we can easily be shaken. nations are entollment. nations of power fall. you alone, lord god, cannot be shaken. each dawning day finds you as our stronghold. your voice works wonders over all the earths. wars are pushed to an ending, but you alone break the bows, snap the speers that pierce the soul -- spears that pierce the

soul. you burn off our shields with your fire, and we hear once again your voice, be still and know that i am god, supreme over all the nations, supreme over all the earths. o god, be our stronghold now and forever. amen. the speaker pro tempore: the chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1 the journal stands approved. the pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentleman from south carolina, mr. gowdy. mr. gowdy: please join us as we recite the pledge. 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.

the speaker pro tempore: the chair will entertain up to 10 requests for one-minute speeches from each side. for what purpose does the gentleman from south carolina rise? >> i ask permission to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. wilson: mr. speaker, i am grateful to welcome the four new members of the south carolina delegation to the 112th congress. this past election, the voters of south carolina led their -- let their voices be heard. the message was loud and clear, limit spending with the largest republican south carolina delegation in over 130 years. the voters can rest assure the message was heard in washington. these four conservative, successful small business leaders were elected based on their principles. promises to reduce spending, limit government and attain fiscal responsibility will now be real priorities. the people of south carolina will benefit the most from this dynamic young team.

the enthusiasm they bring is energizing. congressman tim scott, jeff duncan, trey gowdy and michael mulvaney will work together to make this the most successful and accountable delegation for the people of south carolina. in conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget september 11 and the global war on terrorism. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from connecticut rise? >> to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. himes: the new republican majority has decided we will read the united states constitution, which is a good thing. i can and do read it for myself and i did it this morning and i came across, promote the general welfare. next week the republican will repeal the health care reform, to tell seniors, go back to a world where you can choose between your prescriptions and your food. go back to our children, go back to a world where an

insurance company can deny you coverage because you had the misfortune to be born with a disease. that's what they're doing next week. listen hard. listen hard today to those words, promote the general welfare. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from texas rise? mr. poe: i ask permission to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. poe: mr. speaker, this new congress must be committed to listening to the will of the people and following the constitution. immediately we must right a wrong that has been forcibly placed like chains on the american people. the unhealthy national health care bill bruises the doctrine of the constitution. the people don't want the government stealing their individual liberty to make health decisions. congress must repeal this totalitarian act. in a few moments congress this day on this new day will read the constitution on the house floor. the sacred rule of law for this nation. nowhere in this document of

wisdom does the federal government have the authority to force any american to buy any product or face criminal penalties. whether it's a car, health insurance or a box of doughnuts. the nationalized health care bill is an unconstitutional oppression of the american citizen. we will repeal this injustice and on this new day we stewards of the constitution must right this wrong, this illegal law that has been coerced upon the people without their consent. and that's just the way it is. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. sires: mr. speaker, i rise today to condemn the heinous attack that took place on new year's day in alexander, egypt. the suicide bombing that took 20 minutes -- that took place 20 minutes into 2011 took the lives of 23 christians and wounded more than 90 others.

although no one has claimed responsibility for the act, the egyptian government has linked the al qaeda organization to this brutal act. whoever the perpetrators may be, they epitomize the definition of evil and the struggle against terrorism. security must remain a priority in egypt and all freedom nations. this event that illuminates the unprecedented prejudice facing the interreligious struggle and the violence that's plaguing egypt. this act is another example of the escalation of violence against egypt catholic christians who make up about 10% of the population. i offer my condolences to the families who perished. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise? >> i ask permission to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. murphy: well, here we go

again, gasoline, $3, $4 a gallon. we total 420 billion barrels of oil. enough oil to replace imports from saudi arabia and venezuela for the next 80 years. but the administration's moratorium says no to american oil and yes to opec. we don't have to borrow $900 billion from china, run a massive trade deficit or raise taxes. the revenues and leases from offshore exploration can bring up to $3.7 trillion in federal revenue, slash our deficits, clean up our air and water, increase renewables and rebuild our crumbling highways and bridges all while creating millions of jobs and trillions in economic output. i hope my colleagues will join me as i reintroduce the clean energy independence act so we can work on securing american jobs using american resources. stop talking, start building.

i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from california rise? >> to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mrs. capps: mr. speaker, i rise today to speak against the reckless attempt to repeal the affordable care act. the new law has already put in place critical protections to help our families across this country. i want to tell the story of one family in my scrict whose life has been dramatically helped by this law, the strong family of santa barbara. their daughter, gwendolyn, was diagnosed at age 6 months with muscular spinal atrophy. her care is extremely expensive. they lived in fear that she would reach the lifetime limit, no longer be covered because of her pre-existing condition. the elimination of lifetime

caps has given the strongs a peace of mind. she will receive the care she needs. repealing these safeguards will take that security away. it would put this cramingous little girl at risk of having her health care cut off when she needs it most. it would put this inspiring family at risk of bankruptcy. i stand against this and vote no on repealing the affordable care act. thank you. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman rise? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> mr. speaker, while this is my first opportunity to address the house, this is not the last. the people of ohio sent me here to be their voice and on their behalf i will speak out loud and clear on issues that will matter to the people of my working district. people sent me here for one primary reason. they thing congress has lost its way and my constituents gave me a map he had want us to

use to get back on a right map. it's a map. mr. johnson: america wants us to be true for our founding principles. most of all, this road map was made in america and paid for upfront. that's how our spending must be. we owe it to the taxpayers to disclose what our votes will cost and be clear about how they're paid for. and finally, mr. speaker, the map my citizens gave me leads in one very clear direction, toward economic recovery for every american. that's the way i'm headed and i will cost my vote here with that in mind. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california rise? >> mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent to speak to the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. baca: all throughout congress, the republicans conwantly ask, where are the jobs, they asked this last year, yet in their first major action the house republicans are showing their true colors, playing politics at the expense

of hardworking americans. under the republican plan to repeal the health reform, small businesses will not be able to receive $40 billion in tax credits that will allow them to cover employees. insurance premiums will continue to rise forcing businesses to cut benefits and lay off employees. and they will add to the deficit exploding to $1 trillion over the next 20 years, creating more uncertainty in our economy. instead of serving hardworking american families, republicans would rather have american small businesses serve greedy health insurance companies. republicans are proving yet again that they are indeed the party of no, no relief, no health care, no jobs. i urge my colleagues to stand with the american small businesses and workers and resist any attempt to repeal health reform. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from arizona rise? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. franks: thank you, mr. speaker. mr. speaker, in a few moment

the united states constitution will be read for the first time in a long time in this chamber, and i for one, mr. speaker, am glad to see this welcomed day come. i know there are those that will kiss miss it as symbolic. i remember the words of daniel webster when he said, hold on, my friends, to the constitution, and for the republic for which it stands, for miracles do not cluster. and what has happens in 1/6 of 1,000 years may never happen again. for will the american constitution will fall, there will be anarchy throughout the world. i hope we hold mr. webster's words in our hearts. thank you. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from connecticut rise? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> thank you, mr. speaker. mr. courtney: mr. speaker, despite repeated warning yesterday from groups as diverse as the u.s. chamber of commerce, the laborers, the american trucking association, even the motorcycle riders of america, the republicans

adopted a new rule that will allow us to tamper with the transportation trust fund. and despite the protest that it wasn't doing it, u.b.s., payne-webber, put out a stock advisory saying that construction companies will be downgraded because of the damage that congress did yesterday. mr. speaker, the transportation and construction sector of our country is in a depression. 25% unemployment. the last thing this country needs is to tamper with the highway trust fund. and yesterday that's what the new majority did. the democrats will fight to restore the transportation authorization fund, make sure that america has the transportation system that it needs and get people back to work in the hardest hit sector in the american economy. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan rise? >> mrs. miller: to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mrs. miller: mr. speaker, yesterday we began a very important new chapter in the history of this great nation as we began the 112th congress.

and i was so proud to join so many of our new members in taking the oath of office and the enthusiasm and the commitment that was shown by our new colleagues as well as those of us who were honored enough to be re-elected to take on the great challenges facing our nation, i think will be remembered as a historic pivot for our country. the constitution, which we will soon read here on the floor of the house, states that one of the primary purposes of the federal government is to preserve the blessings of liberty for ourself and our prosperity. and for far too long, the federal government has been mortgaging those blessings of our prosperity by bearing them under a mountain -- burying them under a mountain of debt and that must end. we have a responsibility, mr. speaker, to make the tough decision to cut spending, to eliminate the federal deficit and to begin to pay down the immense debt that threatens the opportunities that will be available for our children and our grandchildren. our work will be difficult but it must be done. let us all face up to these challenges and get to work. i yield back.

. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota rise? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> yesterday a new congress was sworn into office and just like the one before it a top priority is to get our economy moving in the right direction. mr. walz: i'm disappointed that the new majority of the republicans has decided to take the opposite approach. scrobalingting debt, making sure we kill jobs. seniors in my district have better medical care. americans have worked long through their lives have earned that peace of mind. young people are being put back on their parents' insurance after being denied for pre-existing conditions. repealing the health care bill will take those benefits away, kill jobs, skyrocket the debt, and ensure that insurance cops c.e.o.'s make health insurance decisions for you not you and your doctor. many of you may i represent the mayo clinic in my district. they provide the highest quality, patient centered, and affordable care the world has ever known. i would like to leave you with a

short quote they put out. reforming health care in america is essential. the status quo is not sustainable. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from nebraska rise? >> to address the house for one minute. revise and extend. >> without objection. >> mr. speaker, yesterday afternoon a suspended student at millard south high school in suburban omaha opened fire. assistant principle pal, was killed, and principal curtis case remains in serious condition after fleeing the school the student killed himself. mr. fortenberry: this morning nebraska has been blanketed by a profound wave of shock and sorrow. my heart goes out to the victims and families and the school children whose first day back at school was shattered by this nightmarish act. today school is closed as counselors begin to help the community to try and cope and make sense out of what can be

considered a senseless act of violence. i ask for this body's thoughts and prayers, mr. speaker, to be with those students and teachers, their families, and all members of the millard south community in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from illinois rise? >> unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. schakowsky: mr. speaker, i rise today on behalf of my constituents, david regularrer, 33 years old, who now has coverage under illinois' pre-existing condition plan thanks to the affordable care act. david has diabetes and because of his pre-existing condition he couldn't get insurance for over two years after losing his job. david is absolutely elated that he no longer has to wait for hours in the emergency room to get lifesaving insulin. without coverage the e.r. was his own option. instead, he now has -- only option. instead he has regular visits

with the doctor that could avoid the medical crises that has become a frequent nightmare. what happens to david under the repeal of the bill? he like so many others would lose coverage and once again be at the mercy of insurance companies. we cannot go back. we must reject the republican call for repeal of the affordable care act. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does -- for what purpose does the gentleman from nebraska rise? >> to address the house. revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. >> a school in my district, millard south, endured the ultimate tragedy where a student who was suspended returned with a gun, walked into the assistant principal's office, shot her,, ms. casper. she later died.

mr. terry: my profound sorrow this incident, ultimate parents' nightmare. my kids attend that school district. so we are getting the call of lockdown and -- i don't think there's anything more disturbing to a parent anywhere than when the vail of safety of the school has been pierced by such violence. the principal that was also shot is going to survive. he's also a neighbor of ours. so i'm glad that he'll be fine. i ask this floor and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join the omaha community in expressing the depth of our sorrows and ask for your prayers for not only the students of that school but all of the teachers and the family

of the assistant principal who died and the principal who is fighting for his life right now. appreciate everyone's concern. yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from virginia rise? mr. moran: to address the house for one minute. revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. moran: mr. speaker, the horrible tragedies like this remind us that there are simply too many guns, too readily available, to too many children. it's got to stop. mr. speaker, ronald reagan ran for president, he said that any president who does not submit a balanced budget should be impeached. he never did balance a budget. in fact the only times that our budget has been balanced was during the clinton administration. as a result of what's called pay-go. you don't increase spending without increasing an amount of revenue. in fact, you don't cut taxes

without immediately cutting the same amount of spending. that worked. we had three successive years of budget surpluses, passed on a $5.6 trillion projected surplus to the bush administration. but as soon as the new republican congress came in at the beginning of the 21st century, they eliminated pay-go. and as a result we had a $9 trillion fiscal reversal. when the democrats came back in we reinit stated it, but yesterday we exempted $5 trillion from pay-go. $4 trillion of unpaid for budget tax cuts -- the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. mr. moran: and $1.3 trillion of savings we could have gotten from health care reform. thank you, mr. speaker. it's the height of hypocrisy. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado rise? >> thank you, mr. speaker. i'd like to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. polis: i first want to extend the sympathies of

colorado and the representatives to our friends from nebraska. we suffered the columbine tragedy a number of years ago. we definitely understand how painful something like this is. the purpose for me to rise today is to talk about what's been given to this country in the form of the constitution and particularly the 14th amendment, i would say to my friend from texas, nor shall any state derive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. until we pass that affordable health care act, people with pre-existing conditions were being denied equal protection of the laws. we passed that. they now have freedom from discrimination. but my friends on the republican side of the aisle want to take away that freedom. that's wrong. and that's wrong for people in my district, for millions of people across the country

because their kids and they and their families and their friends have different physical conditions that require attention and must be covered and not discriminated against. with that i yield back, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee rise? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> thank you, mr. speaker. in a few minutes we are going to have the reading of the united states constitution. mr. cohen: a show for the american public. for anybody who knows anything about constitution law knows it's up to nine men and women what the constitution says. when the constitution was originally drafted i love it and defend it, it didn't give women the right to vote and slavery was admissible. and in brown vs. order of education, they said separate was equal and we knew it wasn't. and african-americans were held back with jim crow laws. but five people, not the whole nine, five can make decisions that change the way the supreme court is interpreted.

bush v. gore an abomination of a case that determined the presidency for eight years and took away states' rights. and the citizens united case that funded the opposition that turned into the majority that the republicans now have making corporations equal to people and putting money into politics, poisoned the political system. the supreme court should be who reads the constitution. they need a lesson. thank you, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the chair would remind all persons in the gallery that they are here as guests of the house and that any manifestation of approval or disapproval of proceedings is a violation of the rules of the house. for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition? >> mr. speaker, i move a call of the house. the speaker pro tempore: under clause 7-b of rule 20, the chair confers recognition for that purpose. without objection, the call of the house is ordered. members will record their presence by electronic device. members will have 15 minutes to record their presence.

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goodlatte, for the reading of the constitution. the house will be in order. members, please take seats. the house will be in order. members, please take seats. clear the aisles. the house will be in order.

members in the rear of the chamber please take seats. the chair would remind all members that they should not traffic the well while members are under recognition. the gentleman from virginia is recognized for the reading of the constitution. the gentleman may inquire. >> thank you. mr. speaker, appreciate the leadership shown to bring this

document for reading today, but i do want to inquire of the chair and perhaps the gentleman who is the author of this effort today, mr. goodlatte, the language as i understand it that we will be reading today does not include some of the original language of the constitution of the united states. mr. inslee: on multiple occasions amendments have purported to change some of the intent of the original document. the speaker pro tempore: does the gentleman have a parliamentaryry inquiry? mr. inslee: i do. will we be reading the entire original document without deletion, or will we be reading a document with deletions that may or may not have been accomplished by respective amendments? the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 5-a of house resolution 5, the chair recognizes the gentleman from virginia to read the constitution. of the united states. mr. inslee: may i inquire of the

gentleman, if i may inquire, before we start this process, of the gentleman, if he would explain to us so that we will all be on the same page -- the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is not recognized for that purpose. mr. inslee: if i may ask gentleman -- unanimous consent if i may ask the gentleman the question. i ask unanimous consent to ask the gentleman would yield. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia is not recognized for debate. this is not a debate. mr. inslee: i'll wait until mr. goodlatte is recognize the. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia is recognized for the reading of the constitution, not debate. mr. i.n.s. ln: if i may ask unanimous consent to ask mr. goodlatte to yield for just a question so we all understand the reading. the speaker pro tempore: does the gentleman from washington have a parliamentary inquiry? mr. i.n.s. ln: yes, may i ask the gentleman -- mr. inslee: yes, may i ask the

gentleman to yield to ask a question about this language we will all be reading in good faith and spirit today? the speaker pro tempore: that is not in order at this point. the gentleman from virginia. mr. goodlatte: mr. speaker, as a part of the opening remarks i will explain and i hope answer the question of the gentleman from washington. this morning for the first time in the history of the house of representatives, we are read allowed the full text of the constitution of the united states. we hope this will inspire many more americans to read the constitution. the text we are reading today reflects the changes to the document made by the 27 amendments to it. those portions superseded by amendment will not be read. in order to ensure fairness for all those interested in participating, we have asked members to line up on a first come, first served basis. i will recognize members based on this guidance in order to assure relative parity and fairness, i may recognize members out of order to ensure bipartisanship and balance. two members, one from each

party, will be recognized out of order. each member will approach the podium and read the passage laid out for him or her. the speaker and two members of the leadership of each party, will begin the reading and then i will recognize members in order. i thank the members of both parties in advance for their participation in this historic event, and i thank -- the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california rise? mr. honda: thank you, mr. chairman. point of parliamentary procedure. now that the process has started, would the gentleman from washington's original question about parliamentary procedure, would his question be in order at this time? the speaker pro tempore: in light of the gentleman's modicum of debate, that would be appropriate. mr. honda: thank you.

mr. inslee: if i may make a unanimous consent to ask mr. goodlatte a question so that we all do understand the nature of the language that we will be reading. i think it would be very helpful to us on a bipartisan basis. i would like to ask mr. goodlatte if he could -- the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman from virginia may yield for that purpose. mr. inslee: mr. goodlatte, could you explain to us the decisionmaking process about which language to read today? the reason i ask is throughout american history we had a series of amendments that were intended to change the original document. but the amendments do not make specific deletions to specific language in the original document. and it's been up to us to ascertain to find out which language is operative or not. but the language has not been specifically deleted by the amendment. so it could be subject to some interpretation of which

language really has been removed and which has not. and so i think it would be helpful to the members if you would explain to us how the determinations of what to read has been made or not made so that we all be on the same page as to congressional intent. mr. goodlatte: i thank the gentleman for his question. we have consulted with the congressional research service of the library of congress. the library of congress actually maintains a copy of the constitution which includes those sections that have been superseded by amendments, so we are not reading those sections that have been superseded by amendment, and we have arrived at that determination based upon our consultation with the congressional research service. mr. inslee: and would the gentleman accept the premise that since we have not been able to review the exact language we will be reading today, that this is not -- this is not -- thank you, gentleman, but, mr. goodlatte, i'll wait

for a moment, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. mr. inslee: we do want to have a good, bipartisan success for us today. this is a special moment for us all. so i guess the question is, i take it since we have not had discussion about which language to read or not that this is not intended to create any statement of congressional intent about the language but rather to do our best to have a moment of comity to read the language as best as we can, is that correct? mr. goodlatte: i that i the gentleman stated that well. mr. inslee: thank you for bringing it to our attention today. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from virginia. for what purpose does the gentleman from illinois rise? >> i'd like to ask mr. goodlatte a parliamentary inquiry. the speaker pro tempore: is the gentleman asking unanimous consent? mr. jackson: i ask unanimous consent. the speaker pro tempore: will the gentleman yield? mr. goodlatte: i yield. mr. jackson: every member of

this body is approaching the reading of this constitution with the most sacred possible spirit in what is clearly an unprecedented moment in the history of the congress of the united states. and i don't take it very lightly when my colleague or when others before we begin the reading of our sacred document are raising questions about what we will specifically be reading, what specifically will be dacted based upon amendments or based upon the recommendations of libraries of congress, but i also want to be very clear, mr. speaker, and mr. goodlatte, i recognize that this is a request, that in reading those dedacted -- this is very emotional for me. this is very emotional for many members given the struggle, and i am not trying to take a shot at the process. mr. goodlatte knows me and he knows the spirit which i am approaching this. given the struggle of african-americans, given the struggle of women, given the

struggle of others to create a more perfect document while not perfect a more perfect document to hear that those elements of the constitution that have been dedakotaed by amendment are no less -- dedacted by amendment are no less serious to improve the country and to make the country better and our sense in our struggle in whom we are at the congress of the united states at this point in american history and our desire to continue to improve the constitution, many of us don't want that to be lost upon the reading of our sacred -- of our sacred document. and so with that said, i thank the gentleman for yielding, and i just wanted to indicate that this is done with sincerity. it is not done to take a shot at the idea of reading the constitution, but certainly when we were informed, for example, that the 3/5 clause would not be mentioned and that other elements of the constitution which justify why

some of us fight for programs in the congress will not be written in the dedacted version, it's a consequence of who we are. thank you, mr. speaker. mr. goodlatte: i thank the gentleman for his comment and i take them very much to heart as our leadership. in recognition of the gentleman's concern, i mentioned in my comment that only two members would be recognized out of order to read sections. one is the gentleman from texas, mr. smith, the chairman of the judiciary committee, who will read the first article of section 3 dealing with the judiciary. the other is the gentleman from georgia, mr. lewis, who many regard as the foremost advocate for civil rights in the congress, he will read the 13th amendment. and in that regard, we hope to address the concerns that you raise. mr. gohmert: i ask the gentleman to yield for a moment. the speaker pro tempore: does the gentleman ask for unanimous consent? mr. gohmert: yes.

the speaker pro tempore: will the gentleman yield? mr. goodlatte: i yield. mr. gohmert: out of respect for this document that we revere, i think it is important that we use the language of the constitution itself. they are not deletions. they are amendments. and in that respect we go by the amended document, not by the deleted document. there are too many that have fought and died for those amendments to call them deletions. with that i yield back. mr. goodlatte: it is an amended document. we are going to read the document as amended. i thank the members of both parties in advance for their participation in this historic event. i thank the leadership and members for providing for this reading in the rules of the house. it is now my distinct honor to yield to the speaker of the house to begin the reading. the speaker:we the people of the united states, in order to form a more

perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the united states of america. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the minority leader, the gentlewoman from california, ms. pelosi. ms. pelosi: article 1, section 1, all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a congress of the united states, which shall consist of a senate and house of representatives. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the majority leader, the gentleman from virginia, mr. cantor. mr. cantor: article 1, section 2.

the house of representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature. no person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the age of 25 years and been seven years a citizen of the united states, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen. the actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the congress of the united states and within every subsequent term of 10 years in such manner as they shall by law direct. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the minority whip, the gentleman from maryland, mr. hoyer. mr. hoyer: article 1, continuation of section 2. the number of representatives shall not exceed one for every

30,000, but each state shall have at least one representative, and until such enumeration shall be made, the state of new hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, massachusetts eight, rhode island and providence plantations one, connecticut five, new york six, new jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia 10, north carolina five, south carolina five, and georgia three. when vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. the house of representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to

the gentleman from california, the majority whip, mr. mccarthy. mr. mccarthy: article 1, section 3. the senate of the united states shall be composed of two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof for six years, and each senator shall have one vote. immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. rothman. i would ask members to read the page right in front of them and not continue. mr. rothman: the seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every second

year. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. conaway. mr. conaway: no person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of 30 years and if no nine years a citizen of the united states and who shall not when elected be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. scott. mr. scott:the vice president of the united states shall be president of the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. the senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president pro tempore, in the absence of the vice president, or when he shall exercise the

office of president of the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from michigan, mr. walberg. mr. walberg: the senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. when sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. when the president of the united states is tried, the chief justice shall preside, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. critz. mr. critz: judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under

the united states, but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. poe. mr. poe: section 4. the times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof, but the congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. weiner. mr. weiner: section 5. each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number

may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each house may provide. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from georgia, mr. woodall. wamack, i apologize. mr. womack: each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from maryland, ms. edwards. ms. edwards: each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy, and the yeas and nays of the members of either house on any

question shall, at the desire -- discretion of one fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from michigan, mrs. miller. mrs. miller:neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. . mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from texas, ms. jackson lee. ms. jackson lee: section 6. the senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the united states. they shall in all cases, except treason, felony, and breach of

the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same, and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. . mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. pitts. mr. pitts:no senator or representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the united states, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time, and no person holding any office under the united states, shall be a member of either house during his continuance in office.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. pascrell. mr. pascrell: section 7, all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives but the senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. the speaker pro tempore: i yield to the gentleman from south carolina, mr. wilson. mr. wilson: every bill which shall have passed the house of representatives and the senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the president of the united states. if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections to that house in which it shall have originated, which shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. green. mr. green: every bill which shall have passed the house of representatives and the senate shall be -- if after such consideration 2/3 of the house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by 2/3 of that house, it shall become a law. mr. goodlatte: i thank the gentleman. i now recognize the gentleman from south carolina, mr. gowdy.

mr. gowdy: but in all such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from california, mrs. davis. mrs. davis: if any such bill shall not be returned by the president within 10 days, suns exaccepted, after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the congress by their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. lobiondo. mr. lobiondo: every order,

resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the senate and house of representatives may be necessary, except on a question of adjournment, shall be presented to the president of the united states, and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by 2/3 of the senate and house of representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from rhode island, mr. langevin. mr. langevin: section 8, the congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposes, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of

the united states, but all duties, imposes, and excises shall be uniform throughout the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. lance. mr. lance: to borrow money on the credit of the united states. , to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the indian tribes, to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from michigan, mr. kildee. mr. kildee: to coin money,

regulate the value of there, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures, to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting, the securities and current coin of the united states, to establish post offices and post roads. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. hensarling. mr. hensarling: to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from washington,

mr. inslee: -- washington, mr. inslee. mr. inslee: to constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court, to define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from south carolina, mr. duncan. mr. duncan: to declare war, grant letters of marquee and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water, to raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. holt. mr. holt: to provide and

maintain a navy, to make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces, to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. canseco. mr. canseco: to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the united states, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by congress. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. scott. mr. scott: to exercise exclusive

legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such district, not exceeding 10 miles square, as may, by secession of particular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the seat of government of the united states, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of 40's, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful buildings. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from florida, mr. west. mr. west: and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the united states,

or in any department or office of there. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. keating. mr. keating: section 9. the migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding $10 for each person. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from tennessee, mrs. black. mrs. black: the privilege of

habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. no bill of attainder or ex-post facto law shall be passed. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from colorado, mr. perlmutter. mr. perlmutter: no capitation, or other direct, tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein, before directed to be taken. no tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from washington, mrs. mcmorris rodgers. mrs. mcmorris rodgers: no preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one

state over those of another, nor shall vessels bound to, or from, one state, be obligated to enter, clear, or pay duties to another. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from california, mr. honda. mr. honda: no money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law, and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from colorado, mr. garver. mr. garver: no title of nobility shall be granted by the united

states and no person holding any office or profit or trust under them shall without the consent of the congress except of any present, office, or title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from california, miss loretta sanchez. ms. sanchez: no state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation, grant letters of marquee and reprisal, coin money, emit bills of credit, make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts, pass any bill of attainder, ex-post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from kansas, mr.

pompeo. mr. pompeo: no state shall, without the consent of the congress, lay any imposes or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and imposes, laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the united states, and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the congress. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. rangel. mr. rangel: no state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from new york, ms. hayworth. ms. hayworth: article 2, section 1, the executive power shall be vested in a president of the united states of america. he shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the vice president, chosen for the same term, be elected, as follows -- mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. payne. mr. payne: each state shall appoint, in

such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of senators and representatives to which the state may be entitled in the congress, but no senator or representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the united states, shall be appointed an elector. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from indiana, mr. young. mr. young: the congress may choose the electors and the day which shall give their vote, the same will be throughout the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. pallone. mr. pallone: no person, except

a natural born citizen at the time of the adoption of this constitution shall be eligible for the office of the president -- the speaker pro tempore: the chair will remind persons in the gallery -- the chair will remind all persons in the gallery that they are here at guests of the house and that any manifestation of approval or disapproval of the proceedings is in violation of the rules of the house. the chair notes the disturbance in the gallery in contravenges of the law and rules of the house. the sergeant at arms will remove persons responsible for the disturbance and restore order in the gallery. the gentleman from virginia. the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of 35 years and have been 14 years a resident within the united states.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. griffith. mr. griffith: the president shall receive for his services a compensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected and he shall not receive within that period any other money from the united states or any of them. fwood goode i now yield to the gentlewoman from california, ms. richardson. -- mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from california, ms. richardson. ms. richardson: before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation. i do solemnly swear or affirm that i will faithfully execute the office of the president of

the united states and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from ohio, mr. latta. mr. latta: section 2. the president shall be commander in chief of the army and navy of the united states, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the united states, he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the united states, except in cases of impeachment.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. connolly. mr. connolly: he shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to make treaties, provided 2/3 of the senators present concur, and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other officers of the united states, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from louisiana, mr. cassidy. mr. cassidy: but the congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper,

in the president alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from colorado, ms. degette. ms. degette: the president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from ohio, mr. johnson. mr. johnson: section 3, he shall from time to time give to the congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and

expedient, he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with -- between them. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from ohio, mr. kucinich. mr. kucinich with -- mr. kucinich: with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers, he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from ohio, mr. chabot. mr. chabot: the president, vice president

and all civil officers of the united states, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. the judicial power of the united states shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress may from time to time ordain and establish. the judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. mr. goof goodlatte: i yield to

the gentleman from georgia, mr. bishop. mr. bishop: soaks 2. the judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the united states, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, -- jurisdiction. ploo good lalt: i now yield to the gentleman from -- mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. farenthold. mr. farenthold: to controversies to which the united states shall be a party. to controversies between two or more states, between a state and citizens of another state, between citizens of different states, between citizens of the same state claiming lands under

grants of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. in all cases affecting -- subjects. mr. goodlatte: now yield to the gentleman from indiana, mr. donnelly. mr. donnelly: in all cases affectingambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdiction. in all the other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the congress shall make. goo goodlatte: i now yield -- forbes force mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new mexico, mr. pares. -- mr. pearce.

mr. pearce: the trial of all crimes except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury, and such trial shallbe held in the state where the said crimes shall have been committed, but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the congress may by law have directed. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. altmire. mr. altmire: treason against the united states shall consist only of levying war against them or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. no person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from ohio, mr. turner. mr. turner: the congress shall

have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted. ploo goodlatte: -- mr. goodlatte: you now yield to the gentleman from delaware, mr. carney. mr. carney:article iv section 1 full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. and the congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from maryland, mr. harris. mr. harris: section 2

the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from california, mr. schiff. mr. schiff: a person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another state, shall on demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the crime. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from ohio, mr. gibbs. mr. gibbs: section 3, new states may be admitted by the congress into this union, but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any

other state, nor any state be formed by the junction of the two or more states, or parts of states without the consent of the legislatures of the states concerned as well as for the congress. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. nadler. . mr. nadler: nothing in this constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the united states or of any particular state. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from nebraska, mr. fortenberry. mr. fortenberry: or by conventions in 3/4 there of as

the one or other mode of ratification may be proposed by the congress provided that no amendment may may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall affect northern ireland manner the fourth clauses of the ninth section of the first article and no state without its consent shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate. . mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from california, ms. matsui. ms. matsui: article 6. all debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the united states under this constitution, as under the confederation. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new jersey,

mr. garrett. mr. garrett: this constitution, and the laws of the united states which shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the united states, shall be the supreme law of the land, and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from oregon, mr. blumenauer. mr. blumenauer:the senators and representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the united states and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this constitution, but no religious test shall ever be required as

a qualification to any office or public trust under the united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from colorado, mr. lamborn. mr. lamborn:the ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the states so ratifying the same. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from hawaii, ms. hirono. ms. hirono: the word, the, being interlined between the seventh and eighth lines of the first page, the word 30 being partly written on an erasure in the 15th line of the first

page, the words "is tried" being interlined between the 32nd and 33rd lines of the first page and the word "the" being interlined between the 43rd and 44th lines of the second page. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from colorado, mr. tipton. mr. tipton: done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present the 17th day of september in the year of our lord, 1787, and of the independence of the united states of america the 12th in witness whereof we have

hereunto subscribed our names. goode i now recognize the gentleman from missouri, mr. carnahan. mr. carnahan: signers of the constitution -- george washington, president and deputy from virginia, delaware, george read, gunning bedford, john dickinson, richard bassett, jacob broom maryland, james mchenry, daniel of st. thomas jenifer, daniel carroll virginia, john blair, james madison, jr. . mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from california, mr. mcclintock. mr. mcclintock: north carolina

-- william blount, richard dobbs spaight, hugh williamson south carolina - john rutledge, charles cotesworth pinckney, charles pinckney, pierce butler georgia -- william few, abraham baldwin mr. goodlatte: now yield to the gentleman from washington, mr. mcdermott. mr. mcdermott: new hampshire -- john langdon, nicholas gilman massachusetts -- nathaniel gorham, rufus king connecticut -- william samuel johnson, roger sherman new york -- alexander hamilton mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from kansas, kansas.

>>new jersey -- will livingston, david brearley, william paterson, jonathan dayton pennsylvania -- benjamin franklin, thomas mifflin, robert morris, george clymer, thomas fitzsimons, jared ingersoll, james wilson, gouverneur morris . -- governor morris. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from michigan, mr. levin. mr. levin: the preamble to the right of rights. congress of the united states,

begun and held at the city of new york, on wednesday, the fourth of march, one thousand seven hundred eight nine. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from alabama, mrs. roby. mrs. roby: the conventions of a number of the states, having at the time of their adopting the constitution, expressed a desire in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declare torrey and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the government, will best ensure the ben fits -- befishent ends of its institution.

mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from arkansas, mr. ross. mr. ross: resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the united states of america, in congress assembled, two thirds of both houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the legislatures of the several states, as amendments to the constitution of the united -- united states. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from alabama, mr. bonner. mr. bonner: all, or any which articles, when ratified by 3/4 of the said legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said constitution. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to

the the gentlelady from hawaii, ms. hanabusa. ms. hanabusa: articles in addition to, and amendment of the constitution of the united states of america, proposed by congress, and ratified by the legislatures of the several states, pursuant to the fifth article of the original constitution. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the the gentlelady from arizona, ms. giffords. ms. giffords: congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of

religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new hampshire, mr. guinta. mr. guinta: the second amendment. a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from california, mr. sherman. mr. sherman k4r0 --

mr. sherman: the third amendment. no soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. gohmert. mr. gohmert: amendment iv the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. lynch. mr. lynch: amendment v no person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from california, mr. denham. mr. denham: -- i now yield to the gentleman from arizona, mr. franks. mr. franks: nor shall any person be subject for the same

offense to be put twice in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlelady from california, ms. speier. ms. speier: accusation, to be

confronted with the witnesses against him and have the assistance of counsel for his defense. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from illinois, mr. lipinski. mr. lipinski: in suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the united states, than according to the rules of the common law.

mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. flores. mr. flores: excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from minnesota, mr. walls. mr. walz: the ninth amendment. the enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. mr. goodlatte: amendment 10.

the powers not delegated to the united states by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the people -- are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. i now yield to the gentleman from rhode island, mr. cicile nembings. >> the judicial power of the united states shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the united states by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from georgia, mr. gray.

-- graves. mr. graves: amendment number 12. the electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for president and vice-president, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as vice president. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. engel. mr. engel: and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as president, and of all persons voted for as vice-president, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the united states, directed to the president of the senate.

mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from indiana, mr. stutzman. mr. stutzman: the president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted. the person having the greatest number of votes for president, shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as president. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from north carolina, mr. price. mr. price: the house of representatives shall choose immediately by ballot the president.

but in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote. a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from florida, mr. sutherlin. -- mr. souterland. >> if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers of the list, the senate shall choose the vice president. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentlewoman from california, ms. chu.

ms. chu: a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. but no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the united states. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from georgia, mr. lewis. mr. lewis: amendment 13, section 1. neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly

convicted, shall exist within the united states, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. ridge ill -- mr. rigell. mr. rigell: all persons born or naturalized in the united states and subject to the

jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the united states and the state wherein they reside. no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the united states. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from north carolina, mr. watt. mr. watt: nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. wittman.

mr. wittman: section 2. representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding indians not taxed. but when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for president and vice-president of the united states, representatives in congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being 21 years of age, and citizens of the united states, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens 21 years of age in such state.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from new york, ms. clarke. ms. clarke: section 3. no person shall be a senator or representative in congress, or elector of president and vice-president, or hold any office, civil or military, under the united states, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of congress, or as an officer of the united states, or as a member of any state legislature. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from north carolina, mrs. ellmers. mrs. ellmers: or as an executive or judicial officer

of any state, to support to the constitution of the united states, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. but congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. israel. mr. israel: section 4. the validity of the public debt of the united states, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. but neither the united states nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the united states, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave, but all such debts, obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void.

mr. goodlatte: the gentleman from arizona, mr. gosar. mr. gosar: section 5. the congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. amendment 15, section 1. the right of citizens of the united states to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the united states or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. bishop. mr. bishop: section 2.

the congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. amendment 16. the congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. olson. mr. olson: amendment 17. the senate of the united states shall be composed of two senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each senator

shall have one vote. the electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from washington, mr. larson. mr. larson: when vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies, provided, that the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlewoman from new york, ms. birkle.

-- ms. buerkle. ms. buerkle: amendment 19. passed by congress june 4, 1919, ratified august 18, 19 20. the right of citizens of the united states to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the united states or by any state on account of sex. congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentlelady from pennsylvania, ms. schwartz. ms. schwartz: the terms of the president and vice president shall end at noon on the 20th day of january and the terms of senators and representatives at noon on the third day of january. of the years in which such terms

would have ended if this article had not been ratified the terms of their successors shall then begin. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from louisiana, mr. scalise. mr. scalise: section 2, the congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the third day of january, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. section 3, if, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the president, the president-elect shall have died, the vice president elect shall become president. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. green.

mr. green: if a president shall not have been chosen for the time fixed at the beginning of his term or the president-elect shall have failed to qualify, the vice president elect shall act as president until the president shall have qualified and the congress may by law for the case written where in neither a president elects or vice president shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as president or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a president or vice president shall have qualified. mr. good lat: i yield to the gentleman from virginia, mr. hurt. mr. hurt: section 4, the congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the house of representatives may choose a president whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon

them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the senate may choose a vice president whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them. mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. serrano. mr. serrano:section 5 sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of october following the ratification of this article. section 6 this article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. platts. mr. platts:amendment xxi

passed by congress november 20, 1933, ratified december 5, 1933. section 1 the eighteenth article of amendment to the constitution of the united states is hereby repealed. section 2 the transportation or importation into any state, territory, or possession of the united states for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from oregon, mr. schrader. mr. schrader: section 3 this article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to

the constitution by conventions in the several states, as provided in the constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the states by the congress. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. mian -- mr. meehan. mr. meehan: amendment xxii passed by congress on march 21, 1947. section 1 no person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice, and no person who has held the office of president, or acted as president, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected president shall be elected to the office of president more than once.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from mississippi, mr. nunnely. -- mr. nunnelee. mr. nunnelee: but this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of president when this article was proposed by congress and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of president or acting as president during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the office of president or acting as president during the remainder of such term. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from california, mr. miller. mr. miller: this article shall

be not apply to any person holding the office of president when this article was proposed to president. and -- or acting as president during the term within which the art erikle becomes operative from holding the office of president or acting as president during the remainder of such term. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from louisiana, mr. fleming. mr. fleming:section 2 this article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission to the states by the congress.

mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from california, mr. garne mendy -- mr. garamendi. mr. garamendi: amendment 23, passed by congress june 16, 1960, ratified march 29, 1961. section 1 the district constituting the seat of government of the united states shall appoint in such manner as congress may direct a number of electors of president and vice president equal to the whole number of senators and representatives in congress to which the district would be entitled if it were a -- if it were a state. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from california, mr. royce. mr. royce: but in no event more

thanthe least populous state. they shall be in addition to those appointed by the states, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of president and vice president, to be electors appointed by a state, and they shall meet in the district and perform such duties as provided by the 12th article of amendment. section 2 the congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from connecticut, mr. courtney. mr. courtney: amendment 24, passed by congress, august 27, 1962, ratified january 23, 1964. section 1 the right of citizens of the united states to vote in any primary or other election for president or vice president, for electors for president or vice

president, or for senator or representative in congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the united states or any state by reason of failure to pay poll tax or other tax. section 2 the congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. dent. mr. dent: amendment 25, passed by congress, july 6, 1965. section 1 in case of the removal of the president from office or of his death or resignation, the vice president shall become president. section 2 whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the vice president, the president shall nominate a vice president who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both houses of congress.

mr. goodlatte: i yield to the gentleman from oklahoma, mr. lankford. mr. lank ford -- mr. lankford: whenever the president transmits to the president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the vice president as acting president. the speaker pro tempore: i yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. murphy. mr. murphy: section 4 whenever the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as congress may by law provide, transmit to the

president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives their written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the vice president shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as acting president. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentlelady from missouri, mrs. hartzler. mrs. hartzler: thereafter, when the president transmits to the president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as congress may by law provide,

-- law provide. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. fitzpatrick. mr. fitzpatrick: transmit within four days to the president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives their written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. thereupon congress shall decide the issue, assembling within 48 hours for that purpose if not in session. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from new york, mr. gibson. mr. gibson:if the congress,

within 21 days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both houses that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the vice president shall continue to discharge the same as acting president, otherwise, the president shall resume the powers and duties of his office. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from illinois, mr. holt gren -- mr. hultgren. mr. hultgren: amendment 26, passed by congress march 23, 1971. ratified july 1, 1971. section 1 the right of citizens of the united states, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the united states or by any state on account of age. section 2

the congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. mr. goodlatte: i now yield to the gentleman from tennessee, mr. fincher, who will read the last section of the constitution. mr. fincher: amendment 27, originally proposed september 25, 1789, ratified may 7, 1992. no law, varying the compensation for the services of the senators and representatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened.

mr. goodlatte: mr. speaker welcome apology to those few members who were waiting to read, we have now completed the first reading aloud of the united states constitution, and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? mr. berman: i move to suspend the rules and adopt resolution 22. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title. the clerk: house resolution 22, reducing the amount authorized for member, committee, and leadership offices in 2011 and

2012. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to clause 11 of rule 10 and clause 11 of rule 1 and the order of the house of january 5, 2011, the chair announces the speaker's appointment of the following members of the house to the permanent select committee on intelligence, rogers, michigan, chairman. pursuant to resolution 5b of house resolution 5 the gentleman from california, mr. lungren and the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. brady, each will control one hour. the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: thank you very much, mr. speaker. ski that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. lungren: i yield myself such time as may -- i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. bun green: -- mr. lungren: today is a moment us day.

we are all here as new members of congress on the cus of of a new era in -- on the cusp of a new era of america's political life. i find it interesting that yesterday we were sworn in and voted on a rule enhancing -- on the rules package, today we begin with the reading of the constitution. the constitution establishes our framework of government, it enshrines as our fundamental law the proper role of government. mr. speaker, as we promised in our pledge to america, today's reading was an affirmation of our commitment to return this government back to its proper role. a smaller, less costly, more accountable one. mr. speaker, the resolution before us introduced by my colleague from oregon is extremely important to today's affirmation and it is no dent that this is our first piece of legislative business in this, the 112th congress. this legislation is significant

because along with our other activities here on the house floor this week, this bill committing ourselveses to a more responsible and efficient stewardship of the taxpayers' dollars, demonstrates, we hope to the american people, that we are listening. mr. speaker, the people's house should act first and lead by example. everybody knows that across this country, families and small businesses have cut their spending, are paying off their debt, and are striving to live within their means. we should do the same and this legislation is a beginning. it will do that by having an immediate impact and we'd like to thank the gentleman from oregon, mr. walden, and his transition team for their hard work and their constructive ideas. under this resolution, each leadership committee and member

office in the 112th congress will receive no more than 95% of its 111th congress funding level. in fiscal year 2011, this will mean a savings of $1 million from leadership office, savings of $8.1 million from committee budgets and a savings of $26.1 million from collectively the members' office budgets. for those who may not know the members' office budgets are the specific amounts given to members to carry out their functions as members of congress. it includes the ability to communicate with our constituents, it includes paying for their staff, paying for transportation, from their district to washington, d.c. and back, it includes the rental on their district offices. in other words, it is the money that is utilized for members to carry out their official activities. these are important jobs that

members are required to do if in fact we are to represent our people appropriately. nonetheless, even though these are important things we do, we should try to be even more efficient in the way we do them. that is the purpose of this legislation before us. mr. speaker, these are substantial cuts in budgets, in budgets that frankly cannot continue indefinitely on upward trajectories. we must all find ways to do more with less to enhance our productivity and ferret out waste and inefficiencies wherever they may be. with that being said, this initial save sgs only a down payment on future efforts. my colleagues and i on house administration are dedicated to continuing savings and reductions in spending and other areas as well. thus, for fiscal year 2012, we committed to keeping this 5% reduction in place. we're also directing all house officers such as the clerk, the sergeant at arms and the chief

administrative officer to find savings within their own organization without sacrificing their services and the excellence they pride thems on maintaining. in other words to do what all americans are attempting to do in their own lives, finding ways to do more with less. we look forward to hearing from these and other house offices in specificity as to what their cost savings plans will be. as has been said by our speaker, we committed to cutting domestic spending and returning nonsecurity discretionary spending to 2008 levels. we could live on that level of spending a mere two years ago, surely we can find ways to do so again. again, american families are doing it, american businesses are doing it, we must try as well. mr. speaker, listening to the american people and restoring the proper role of government means decreasing spending, ending our deficit mentality and fostering job creation. these are vir chaos -- virtues

that made this country great and will sustain us in the future. i want to thank mr. walden and his transition team for the efforts they put into this legislation and i would urge all of my colleagues to support it and with that, mr. speaker, i would reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from pennsylvania. >> i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. >> i applaud -- mr. brady: i applaud any effort to responsibly address these concerns. i travel back and forth to my district every day in philadelphia and i spend a large portion of every day listening to constituents as they voice their concerns over economy and the real impact it has on their day-to-day lives. certainly this house must take steps to ensure that resources are effectively utilized, administrated and accounted for. i support this resolution and encourage my students to do so as well.

during the 111th congress, significant steps were taken to expand transparency and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. under speaker nancy pelosi, we worked to introduce the house statement of disbursements in an online, electronic format. for the first time, constituents, the media and other concerned individuals could review every penny spent by members, committees, and leadership offices. we rolled out enhances to increase the energy efficient soif the capitol complex, resulting in cost savings. under the democrat majority we put in place requirements that only vehicles meeting lower greenhouse emission standards were eligible for m.r.a. funds. it not only has environmental impact but reduces gas costs.

this ultimately is the reason why we are here. i look forward to exploring additional cost-saving opportunities with chairman lungren in the spirit of bipartisanship we have enjoyed for years. i also urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and mr. speaker, at this time, i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: at this time, i yield four minutes to the gentleman from oregon, mr. walden who spent an enormous amount of time beginning immediately after the elections to bring us to this point. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for four minutes. mr. walden: thank you, mr. speaker. i want to thank the chairman of the administration committee for his help and assistance as we work through the transition. i also want to thank the ranking member, mr. brady and mr. andrews as well who are designated by then-speaker pelosi to be a formal conduit on the transition. they were most helpful and gave us good insights.

i want to thank the members who participated an the staff who we reached out to in a survey across this campus to say, how can we do this better? how can we be more efficient with our time and the taxpayers imoney. there's an old saying that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ladies and gentlemen, this is a single step forward but it is a $35 million first step. we think we can at least save that in this effort today and leadership really starts at the top. the american people have spoken loudly and clearly, they're very concerned about the economy and their jobs and their communities. and they're equally and deeply concerned about the deficits that have been racked up by both parties over time. we have to turn that around or we end up looking like some of these countries elsewhere around the globe that are facing financial ruin if they don't change. we have to change to and -- we have to change too and we are asking ourselveses to take the

first step here and save at least $35 million. mr. dray brey dipointed out and mr. lungren pointed out, this is a first installment. our management team in this organization is looking at each department and how they can achieve additional savings. we have an inspector general that looks at everything on capitol hill and identifies ways we can improve safety and security and cut costs and be more efficient. so we are letting them do their management. i was a small business owner for 22 years with my wife out in arkansas. i understand that if you don't watch the pennies and nickels, you'll never get to the dollars. you have to look at everything you do in realtime to try to squeeze out efficiency. i think we've done that as republicans, our pledge to america was to do exactly that across the government. you will see oversight hearings about policy, oversight hearings about job killing regulations. we want to get america working again.

i know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle share that view that it is the private sector jobs we have to get restored in this country. we have to grow the economy and create jobs and put washington's fiscal house back in order and we'll take the first steps today with this legislation than resolution. so specifically, we cut, we believe $35 million out of our own budget, the 5% reduction, except i should point out the appropriations committee will actually suffer a 9% reduction and they came forward with that level. i applaud them for that. this is firm but flexible. members will still determine within their budgets how they're spent, we dent micromanage, we treat you as adults and we're going to treat government agencies as adults but we expect results because the american people spoke clearly in november and said, we want trons parentcy, we want openness, we want accountability, we want you to cut deficit spending and create private sector jobs. mr. chairman, i think we have begun that process today.

i thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for supporting us in this bipartisan effort and with that, i would yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from pennsylvania. mr. brady: i'd also like to thank mr. walden for allowing me to participate, planned andrews from new jersey, for allowing us to participate. i don't want to get you in trouble here today, but we had some ideas with the implementation of the plan. i'm talking especially forward the schedule. i do appreciate that and i appreciate you hay allowing us to participate in what you've done there and look forward to working with you in the future. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: at this time, it's my pleasure to yield four minutes to the gentleman from kentucky, the chairman of the appropriations committee, mr. rogers. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from kentucky is recognized for four minutes. mr. rogers: i thank the

chairman for yielding. mr. speaker, this is a historic time for this congress, this house, my committee, and i can say without a moment's hesitation that this day represents a crucial turning point for our nation as this new congress begins a path to fiscal sanity. with this resolution today, congress will begin immediately to reduce spending starting here and now with our own office budgets and our committee budgets and the like. to demonstrate my strong commitment to slashing spending, reducing our national deficit, and getting our economy back on track, i've directed my own

committee budget to be cut not by 5%, mr. speaker, but by 9%. nearly double the amount of reductions proposed for other house offices. what the appropriations committee is saying to all other committees, we see your five, we raise you four. so we are cutting 9%. this year the appropriations committee will be ground zero for a wide range of reductions across the federal government and by cutting our own budget first, mr. speaker, we are showing we are willing to lead by example. this is a critical time for the appropriations committee as we will carry out the most expansive reduction of discretionary spending in the history of this country. under my watch the

appropriations committee will be an instrument of change to enforce the will of the american people. my republican colleagues on the committee and i are ready to stand and fight for the american people and show that we are serious about our commitment to rein in government spending and control our exploding deficits. yet it's important to remember that slashing spending to save taxpayer dollars and reducing the size of government is a means to an end. we must always keep our eyes on the ultimate goal, improving our economy, getting our people back to work, and safeguarding the nation's financial security. for the future. the one and only mandate that we received from the american people in november, in my judgment, was to put our economy and jobs first. this is why people came to the

polls and voted for a change in this body. and this is the duty that we must fulfill. to this end it's clear that this congress cannot let favored yet troublesome programs slip by or allow turf battles to cloud our shared interest in protecting the taxpayer. our budget axe will swing wide and true and no area of the federal government will be immune from our scrutiny and cuts. sacred cows for all intents and purposes extinct. mr. speaker, we have a big job ahead of us. while this resolution is a small step forward, it is a giant leap to show in a very personal and practical way the commitment we have to reducing spending and getting our economy back on track.

the first blood drawn -- the first drawn blood is ours. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from pennsylvania. mr. brady: continue to reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: continues to reserve. the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: at this time i yield four minutes to the gentleman from florida, mr. crenshaw. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from florida is recognized for four minutes. mr. crenshaw: i thank the gentleman for yielding the time. i rise in strong support of this resolution. what does it do? you have heard quite simply saves the american taxpayers millions of dollars. how does it do it? quite simply, it says we are going to spend less money in this house. these are difficult times and we can't just keep on doing things like we have always done them. we've got to change things. no more perks, no more privileges, no more waste. we have a chance with this

resolution to -- in the house look at ourself in the mirror and say, we are going to lead by example. the american people have been making these tough choices all along. i think it's time that this house put its own house in order. but we have to remember that actions speak louder than words. difficult times mean leaders have to lead. and we have a chance to take a bold step to say that we are going to try to stop this culture of spending that we have all gotten used to and say, let's start a culture of savingings--savings. that's not going to be easy. it's going to be hard. it's going to be difficult. it's going to be did you have. but we must do it. that's where we begin to start. that's what this resolution does. it says that we are going to take the first step, we are going to cut our own spending, we are going to do more with

less. and i think right now we can do a whole lot more with a whole lot less. i know that, you know that, and i think the american people know that. but we all know that we need money to provide services. but right now it seems to me that government needs something more. we need discipline to rein in spending. we need courage to make the right decisions even when they are hard. and we need to seize the challenge to provide services in these difficult times. we got to make sure that every task of government is accomplished more efficiently an effectively than it ever has been before because if life is going to change in america, life has to change here in washington. and this is the first step. so i urge the adoption of this resolution, yield back my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: at this time i

would like to yield three minutes to the gentlelady from alabama, member of the transition team, the gentlelady, congresswoman -- the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady is recognized for two minutes. mrs. roby: thank you, mr. chairman. our nation is on an unsustainable path. over the last two years all we have seen from washington is more spending, more borrowing, and more debt. the american taxpayer has been burdened with $3 trillion worth of bailout and buyout. never before has the government spent so much while the people received so little. one of the goals of the transition team was to restore fiscal responsibility back to congress. and i would like to thank the gentleman from oregon, mr. walden, for his leadership on that transition team. working families all across america have been forced to tighten their belts during this economic downturn.

the congress should be no different. our proposal would cut members' representational allowances by 5%. it will save the american taxpayer at least $35 million annually over the next year. no one is suggesting that this is a silver bullet. in fact, it is far from it. reducing our soaring debt will require that congress to deeply commit to the tough choices that will be required to put our nation back on track. but in many ways our budget woes began in this chamber and so, too, should they end. this resolution is a symbolic start to this process. i yield back my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: at this time, mr. speaker, i would yield three minutes to the gentleman from south carolina, mr. scott. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from south carolina is recognized for three minutes. mr. scott: thank you, mr. chairman. mr. speaker, on the campaign

trail over the last several months we have heard two things from people. we have heard cut spending, cut spending, cut spending, and the other thing we heard consistently was, live by the decisions that you make in congress. well, today we have a great opportunity before us. we have an opportunity to do both. to start cutting spending $35 million plus in spending cuts starting with us. it means that we start first and foremost by living with the decision that is we make. a 5% deduction in our m.r.a.'s gives us an opportunity to not spend the money so that other folks and families, small businesses, have an opportunity who are not paying taxes to invest more money in the future of their country and their families. second, as we consistently live under our own decisions, we tell the american people that we are simply listening. i heard constantly that the american people want a congress that listens.

that understands their pain and does something about it. the first step in that direction is for us to start living within our own means and tell the american people we hear them. we want to restore the competence of the -- confidence of the american people in their elected officials. we must start by doing things like this. cutting ourselves first and asking the rest of the government to follow. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman continues to reserve. the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: mr. speaker, at this time it's my pleasure to yield three minutes to the gentleman from colorado, mr. gardner. a member of the transition team. mr. gardner: the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. -- the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. mr. gardner: mr. speaker, today i'm glad to support a resolution that puts away the knives of politics and instead pulls out the shears of budget cutting.

thank you to representative walden, mr. walden, for your work in the transition committee to again restore accountability and transparency by leading with example in one of the most historic institution this is world has ever witnessed. throughout my time in the state legislature of colorado, throughout the past several months, i have talked to constituents around the fourth congressional district of colorado about the lead to -- need to lead by example, need to start in our own backyard first. to cut our budgets. to make sure we are leading by example. just a couple rows from here on this chamber when we took the oath of office, my 7-year-old daughter accompanied me to witness the transition of power. but that means nothing if we cannot lead by example. i will have failed her as a 7-year-old child and every child like her if we do not lead by example. and we start today by cutting our own budgets. the 5% cut to our budget, it's not massive, but it is monumental. and it's something that we must

all take seriously our efforts to begin leading the american people. around this country citizens of the united states are looking to congress for signs of hope, signs of hope that we have learned a lesson that this congress has spent too much, grown too much, and that we will put our own house in order. mr. speaker, thank you for the opportunity to talk today and the honor of standing in support of a resolution that says to the american people, we will, indeed, lead by example. we will begin in our house first. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. the house will hear a message. the messenger: mr. speaker, a message from the senate. the secretary: mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: madam secretary. the secretary: i have been directed by the senate to inform the house that the senate has agreed to s.con.res. 2, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural of

president john f. kennedy which the concurrence of the house is requested. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: at this time, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to yield one minute to the majority leader of the house of representatives, the distinguished gentleman from virginia, mr. cantor. the speaker pro tempore: the majority leader is recognized. mr. cantor: i thank the gentleman from california. mr. speaker, our new majority will be a result driven congress with one clear goal, to create jobs and generate economic growth. our defining principle will be cut and grow. cut spending and job-killing regulations, and grow jobs and the economy. our mission is urgent for the economy to grow, families, businesses, and financial markets need to know that we are serious about cutting spending. if we don't act, the threat of future tax increases, inflation, and high borrowing costs will

continue to serve as an anchor on the economy. beginning the new republican majority by accounting our own congressional operating budget sends the right message. the days of families and small businesses tightening their belts while the federal government goes on a spending spree are over. this self-imposed 5% cut to our own house operating budget will save american taxpayers more than $35 million immediately. i hope the federal agencies across the spectrum will follow suit and find ways to cut their own budgets. this legislation is a small but significant step towards promoting a culture of opportunity, responsibility, and success and i urge my colleagues to support it. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from california. mr. lungren: mr. speaker, at this time i would like to yield to another gentleman who served us well on the transition team, the gentle