DeLay Reveals A Humble Side

Embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay spoke Thursday of the importance of humility in public service and asked for continued prayers for Congress.

DeLay, addressing a National Day of Prayer event on Capitol Hill, said, "No man or woman of any faith or of no faith can truly love, truly serve, truly persevere, truly dare mighty deeds, truly hope for the future or truly honor the past, without a humble heart."

The Texas Republican, who's embroiled in a months-long fight over alleged ethics violations involving foreign travel and ties to lobbyists, asked for prayers "on behalf of the legislative branch, both houses, both parties… Because the only way we can serve well is to serve humbly, as servants both to God and our nation."

Delay, who made no mention of the ethics controversy, said God makes all things possible, "even greatness from lowly sinners like you and me – especially me."

"Think of what we could accomplish if we checked our pride at the door," he said. "If we spent less time on our soapboxes and more time on our knees."

DeLay received a standing ovation after his 10-minute speech, the New York Times reports.

The majority leader's remarks came a day after two Republicans on the House ethics committee announced they will step aside from any investigation of DeLay, because their contributions to DeLay's defense funds could lead others to question their impartiality.

The withdrawal announcement Wednesday marked the second time in two weeks that majority Republicans caved in to criticism by minority Democrats. Last week, Republicans reversed themselves and voted to reinstate investigative procedures they put in place nearly a decade ago.

Democrats have complained for months that Speaker Dennis Hastert appointed Republicans Lamar Smith of Texas and Tom Cole of Oklahoma to make the panel more favorable to DeLay. Both said they could be impartial despite their contributions, but they agreed with ethics committee Chairman Doc Hastings, R-Wash., that it was best to avoid controversy.

Cole then took a shot at his Democratic critics: "Those that sought to politicize the ethics process should start putting the institution ahead of their partisan agenda."

DeLay is certain to face an ethics inquiry this year because he has requested one.

Questions have been raised about whether Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist now under criminal investigation, paid for foreign travel by DeLay and several aides. House rules prohibit lawmakers from accepting travel expenses from lobbyists.