“We don’t need any amendments that will take away our fragile coalition,” Meehan told the crowd.

Shays emphasized that immediate public action was needed to push members of the House to support the Shays-Meehan bill.

“We can win if the American people pay attention this week,” Shays said.

After making their speeches, the four responded to several questions from the media.

McCain responded to criticism that was leveled against him the previous day by House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas). Armey had accused McCain of inappropriately trying to influence votes of members of Congress by sending letters requesting support for the Shays-Meehan bill.

McCain defended his action, saying that he had followed a common practice for gathering support on Capitol Hill.

During the approximately 30 minute rally, the four members of Congress demonstrated a great camaraderie, participating in frequent hand-shaking, back-patting and embracing.

The crowd, estimated by the Associated Press at around 200 people, included a handful of students from the Harvard Summer School.