- Mark Usher: [getting right to the point] Okay. The Black Caucus? Really?
- Francis Underwood: [to the camera] I like Mark, because I always know where he stands. It's usually on someone's neck.
- Terry Womack: [muscling her] The House should and will decide!
- Claire Underwood: Delaware has one congressman. How will that play in Austin when your opponent in two years tells voters that you allowed a state like Delaware to have the same influence as Texas? A lot of your incumbents will be in danger of losing their seats. And there it is.
- Francis Underwood: [to the camera] Look. Look at them. That is the look of contemplating loss. Loss, the only constituent that anyone in this room really listens to.
- [first lines]
- Claire Underwood: [her hand on the Bible] I, Claire Hale Underwood, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States
- Francis Underwood: [to the camera] I'm proud of her. She deserves this. Even if it only lasts for a couple of weeks.
- Claire Underwood: ...and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.
- [camera shutter clicking]
- Francis Underwood: Congratulations, Madam Acting President.
- [kisses her]
- Mark Usher: It was a wager. The potential gains made it necessary.
- Will Conway: It was a complete waste of my time. If you don't start turning things around, you're going to be out on your fucking ass. You understand?
- Mark Usher: I do. I should explain something to you, Governor. If you ever talk to me like that again... I'll make sure you never win another election in your life.
- Will Conway: Are you threatening me?
- Mark Usher: No, I'm enlightening you.
- Francis Underwood: Throwing the election back to the states, it gives us less certainty.
- Claire Underwood: I don't think we can get it done by Monday. We've been working at it for weeks, Francis.
- Francis Underwood: Claire, don't let the office make you careful. The halls of Congress have never failed me.
- David Rasmussen: What did you think would happen when you came in here, Francis? That you could threaten me, tell me the DNC'll throw money at my primary opponent next cycle if I don't play ball? Or were you gonna flatter me? "Elder of the party" this, "bellwether senior member" that.
- Francis Underwood: [getting nose-to-nose] You know, I'm somewhat delighted that you developed a personality at this late date. But I would ask you to rethink this. To come out this way on this thing in the twilight of your career will do nothing but sully your Wikipedia page.
- Francis Underwood: There it is. How the righteous love to bemoan their role in middle management, and condemn those who actually might have an effect on the world.
- Francis Underwood: I served next to your jellied spine for two decades. You've never shown an ounce of courage. You don't have what it takes for revenge.
- Viktor Petrov: You Americans certainly have a lot of presidents these days.
- Francis Underwood: Yes, you may think that we're distracted, but don't fool yourself.
- Viktor Petrov: Distracted? No. No, no. Divided, yes.
- Francis Underwood: American democracy is stronger than your sad attempt to take advantage of a bump in the road.
- Viktor Petrov: Francis, my eyes are on a landscape that is so much bigger than any one of your roads.
- Terry Womack: So, does anyone else have any questions for the governor?
- Will Conway: Well, I have a question. What has Francis Underwood ever done for you? This little charade this morning... Well done.
- Mark Usher: [interrupting] Will.
- Will Conway: Quite an act...
- Mark Usher: Governor.
- Will Conway: No, but really. See, you may have differences with me... You may have genuine differences with me. But see, that's the operative word, genuine. Can someone here please explain to me why you all are still loyal to Francis Underwood and the Democrats? One of these days the members of this room will realise how much you actually prop up the status quo. And how's that working for you?