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At a dinner for incoming lawmakers on Sunday evening, John A. Boehner, the likely speaker in the soon-to-be Republican-controlled House, told the freshmen to remember the people they serve.
And he urged them to keep in mind the higher ideals of government service.
“The House should be a place where we relish the battle of ideas,” Mr. Boehner said.
Mr. Boehner, according to excerpts of his remarks provided by an aide, recalled Henry Clay, the 19th century statesman from Kentucky, who served in both chambers of Congress.
“Henry Clay did something noble: he left the Senate to join the House. He liked the ‘turbulence’ of the House, compared to the ’solemn stillness’ of the Senate,” Mr. Boehner said.
“Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for the Senate to adjourn so that Senators could walk over to the House chamber to watch the debate,” he said. “The House should be a place where we relish the battle of ideas.”
Mr. Boehner added, “Henry Clay got it. It’s not about us. It’s about the people.”
And the prospective speaker noted that many of the entering Republican freshmen really are just regular people.
“Of the 80-plus incoming GOP freshmen, nearly half of you have never served in any elective office in your lives,” he said. ”This group includes seven farmers, six medical doctors, three car dealers, two funeral home directors, a former FBI agent, a pizza restaurant owner, an NFL lineman, and a Northwest Airlines pilot. And it includes no fewer than 20 veterans of our armed forces.”
Mr. Boehner added, “This truly is government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
He also urged the new lawmakers to be humble.
“If you remember one thing from my talk tonight, I hope it’s just one word: humility,” Mr. Boehner said. “The American people are sick and tired of the ‘Washington knows best’ mentality. All the power in this town is on loan from the people.”
The dinner was held in Statuary Hall just off the Rotunda on the second floor of the Capitol.
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