Lawmaker waxes philosophical at press conference

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) quoted an ancient Roman orator on Tuesday and announced the reference later via Twitter. 

"I quoted Cicero at today's @GOPConference Weekly Press Event," McMorris Rodgers tweeted. The tweet linked to a video of her remarks.

At the morning press conference, the third-term congresswoman prefaced the quotation by saying that "fiscal discipline and a smaller government is not just the slogan of House Republicans; it's the wisdom of the ages." 

She continued:

"He [Cicero] said, 'The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced. If the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt, people must learn to work instead of living on public assistance.'" 

Scholars, however, dispute that the passage originated with Cicero, noting the modern overtones of the terms "budget" and "public debt." Many attribute it to A Pillar of Iron, novelist Taylor Caldwell's bestselling fictionalized account of Cicero's life, published in 1965.

Former independent presidential candidate Ross Perot opened a 1992 campaign spot with a similar portion, also attributed to Cicero:

"History repeats itself. The budget should be balanced. The treasury should be refilled. Public debt should be reduced. The arrogance of public officials should be controlled."