Sam Rayburn Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sam Rayburn.

Sam Rayburn was an American politician who served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for a record 17 years and remains the longest-serving speaker in American history. He was born on January 6, 1882, in Bonham, Texas. Rayburn began his political career in 1912 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He subsequently served in the U.S. Congress as a representative for Texas from 1913 until his death in 1961.

Known for his exceptional skills in legislative maneuvering and his commitment to bipartisanship, Rayburn played a pivotal role in shaping American legislation during his time in office. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and worked towards passing important legislation, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Social Security Act. Rayburn was also instrumental in the creation of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which led to the development of the national highway system in the United States.

Beyond his legislative achievements, Rayburn was respected for his integrity and his ability to build relationships across party lines. He was highly esteemed for his fair and transparent leadership as Speaker, where he fostered an environment of respect and cooperation among lawmakers.

Rayburn died on November 16, 1961, in Bonham, Texas, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential politicians in American history. His dedication to public service and his commitment to working for the betterment of the American people continue to inspire politicians to this day.

Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpen

Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.

A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to

A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.

Youll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then

Youll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then you dont have to remember what you have said, and you never forget what you have said.

Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to rememb

Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time.

Time Truth Thetimes

Too many critics mistake the deliberations of the Congress f

Too many critics mistake the deliberations of the Congress for its decisions.

Any jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter t

Any jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build it.

It has always been my ambition since childhood to live such

It has always been my ambition since childhood to live such a life that one day my fellow citizens would call me to membership in this popular branch of the greatest lawmaking body in the world. Out of their confidence and partiality they have done this. It is now my sole purpose here to help enact such wise and just laws that our common country will by virtue of these laws be a happier and a more prosperous country. I have always dreamed of a country which I believe this should be and will be, and that is one in which the citizenship is an educated and patriotic people, not swayed by passion and prejudice, and a country that shall know no East, no West, no North, no South, but inhabited by a people liberty loving, patriotic, happy, and prosperous, with its lawmakers having no other purpose than to write such just laws as shall in the years to come be of service to human kind yet unborn. Applause

Dont try to go too fast. Learn your job. Dont ever talk unti

Dont try to go too fast. Learn your job. Dont ever talk until you know what youre talking about. If you want to get along, go along.

In my many years as a Representative in Congress it is my ob

In my many years as a Representative in Congress it is my observation that the district that is best represented is the district that is wise enough to select a man of energy, intelligence, and integrity and reelects him year after year. A man of this type and character serves more efficiently and effectively the longer he is returned by his people.

You'll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then

You'll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then you don't have to remember what you have said, and you never forget what you have said.

If you want to get along, go along.

If you want to get along, go along.

You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you,

You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to follow, too.

If a man has common sense, he has all the sense there is.

If a man has common sense, he has all the sense there is.