I want to take one moment to discuss an important matter about the rules and procedures we employ here in the House. The process we use to make decisions for the American people is the very foundation of our democracy. It is that democratic process that defines us here, and binds us together.

With this in mind, I would like to express my profound disappointment with the Leadership of this House, for resorting to the unethical tactics they decided to employ last night, when it became apparent that at the end of the 15 minute vote allowed by the rules, the CAFTA measure had failed.

By unethically holding the vote open for over an hour so that deals could be cut and arms twisted, this Republican leadership changed the outcome.

In the process, they failed the American people and damaged both our democracy and this institution.

Changing the rules to win is not in keeping with the democratic spirit of this institution and it does damage to the core values we share as Americans. My colleagues on the other side, I am sure, will be tempted to say that this is merely sour grapes.

That is not the case at all.

I warned the leadership yesterday not to employ these unethical tactics again, and they chose to ignore that call.

There is something more at stake here than just winning or losing a vote - that is what we have to understand.

Violating the rules we all agree on in pursuit of victory, is no victory at all. It is a debasement of our democracy. And it will only serve to diminish any victory won by the Republicans last night, both in the eyes of their fellow Americans and in the annals of history.

Why is it that this majority, with such a commanding vote advantage, time and time again chooses to employ underhanded tactics that serve only to diminish the American people's confidence in their leadership, and in this institution?

Why can't they just win on the merits?

It makes many Americans wonder if Republicans in this House are prevented from voting their conscious out of fear that they will have their 'arms broke into a thousand pieces" by their own leadership.

This body would do well to remember that there is one piece of paper in the national archives that is the foundation of our way of life, our entire civilization...It is a covenant between men and women of goodwill, on the process we should use to run our government.

And it is just as fragile as the parchment it was written on. We have a responsibility to always remain faithful to that covenant lest it be torn apart.

That means that no matter the outcome of the vote, the rules of how we consider legislation and cast our ballots, the very democratic process we depend on, should always remain inviolate.

Because when we don't adhere to these basic principles, we cease to be a democracy. There is a better way.

And with just a little less greed and a little less arrogance, this House leadership could bridge the gap and start standing up for the values of democracy, instead of the politics of expediency. I, for one, am committed to doing whatever is necessary to restore the values of ethics, integrity and democracy to this House...Values which have been trampled underfoot by this leadership time and time again.

It is my sincere hope that all of you will join me in that pursuit. Ranking Democrat Pledges to Restore Ethics in House

Washington, DC- Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, today, from the House floor, will deliver a stinging condemnation of the Republican Leadership for their unethical abuse of power during last night's vote on the controversial CAFTA trade bill. The fifteen minute vote was held open by Republicans for more than an hour while arms were twisted in a naked display of partisan politics at its worst.

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