What a Congressman Shouldn't Be |
PAT: But you know this Saturday night vote, this is how things are done now with this most ethical open and by partisan congress in the history of mankind. They were going to restore congress to its rightful place. The exact opposite is true. The way they're doing things in congress and have been for some time, they've had the majority, Democrats have had the majority since 2006 and I think he played the Murtha video last night and we have the ‑‑ well, we have it for you on audio as well.
MURTHA: Those in favor say aye. Opposed will say no. The opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
PAT: All right, did you hear that? Murtha is conducting a vote. He's obviously chairing a session and he's calling for a vote, and they vote. And listen to the difference here.
MURTHA: Those in favor say aye. Opposed will say no. Opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
PAT: Okay, so aye, like three people, aye. No! Everybody in the room screaming no. "Opinion of the chair, the ayes have it." No, no, they don't.
James Sensenbrenner challenged him on it.
SENSENBRENNER: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will please rise. A number have arisen, the yeas and nays, pursuant to Clause 8, Rule 23, the procedure of the question are postponed.
PAT: Doesn't even count them. Just says no.
SENSENBRENNER: Could the chair tell me how many roles to request the recorded vote and the total number of members present in the House upon which the chair made his decision?
MURTHA: It's up to the chair, and let me tell you this. The vote will show that the approval will be approved by the House.
PAT: Good for you. So in other words, "I don't care how many people are standing up; the vote's over and it will show that it was approved, because I wanted it that way. You may not have and your constituents probably didn't. Whatever, who cares. I'm the chair right now and I say it passed." It's just unbelievable but again, that's how things are done.