E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 104 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 141 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1995 No. 205—Part II House of Representatives
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, est crime fighting budget in the Na- $125 million more. We fully fund the JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDI- tion’s history, just one day after the program. And what does the President CIARY, AND RELATED AGENCIES FBI announced that crime rates are fi- do? He says ‘‘no.’’ APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1966— nally starting to drop. It is a sad day Why is he vetoing the bill? He says VETO MESSAGE FROM THE today, when all of the Federal employ- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ees in the Departments of Justice, we do not spend enough money on some STATES (H. DOC. NO. 104–149) State, and Commerce, the Federal programs. Even while he is meeting now to reduce spending, he wants us to The SPEAKER. The unfinished busi- Courts, and 20 related agencies, more than 200,000 of them, have their jobs include and increase spending for ness is the further consideration of the left in doubt because the President re- things like the Ounce of Prevention veto of the President on the bill (H.R. fused to sign the full year appropria- 2076) making appropriations for the De- Council, $2 million; the Globe Program, tion for them. $7 million. Great international organi- partments of Commerce, Justice, and Two-thirds of the funding in this bill, State, the Judiciary, and related agen- zations he wants money spent for, and Mr. Speaker, nearly $18 billion, would among the reasons he vetoed the bill, cies for the fiscal year ending Septem- have gone to putting criminals behind are things like the Bureau of Inter- ber 30, 1996, and for other purposes. bars. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Think about the programs that will national Expositions; and, get this one, MOTION OFFERED BY MR. ROGERS not go into effect because of this veto: the International Office of Epizootics. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I offer a $14.6 billion for law enforcement, a 19 That is why he says he is vetoing the preferential motion and I ask for its percent increase, including $3.6 billion bill, and for corporate welfare pro- immediate consideration. for state and local law enforcement to grams he says we did not fund, like the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. give them the resources to fight crime Advanced Technology Program. That is UPTON). The Clerk will report the mo- where it counts, on our streets. That is corporate welfare. I think we were all tion. a 57-percent increase over last year. The Clerk read as follows: An $895 million increase to combat il- determined to cut it and we did in this bill. And he is vetoing the bill, he says, Mr. ROGERS moves that the message, to- legal immigration and secure the Na- gether with the accompanying bill, be re- tion’s borders; $146 million more than because of his pique over the COPS pro- ferred to the Committee on Appropriations. the President requested, including 3,000 gram. As we have said so many times, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- more INS personnel and 1,000 more bor- this is not a debate over putting more tleman from Kentucky [Mr. ROGERS] is der patrols on the border. We need to police on the streets. The conference recognized for 1 hour. get these people hired and trained. Oth- report fully funds the request of $1.9 GENERAL LEAVE erwise the money will be wasted. billion, giving our local communities Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask The bill includes $500 million for the resources to hire every single po- unanimous consent that all Members California, Texas, Florida, New York, liceman on the beat that the President may have 5 legislative days within and other States most impacted by proposed, and then some, as the Presi- which to revise and extend their re- criminal aliens, and the President is dent says. The difference is over who marks and that I be allowed to include telling those states, ‘‘tough luck.’’ controls the program. Is it a Washing- In the bill vetoed is also $175 million tabular and extraneous material on ton-based, one-size-fits-all program, for violence against women programs, 7 that the President wants; or do we em- H.R. 2076. times more than we provided this year, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there power local communities to decide the full amount of the President’s re- what they need most to fight crime? objection to the request of the gen- quest. Now he is vetoing the money for tleman from Kentucky? violence against women. We have heard the problems with the There was no objection. On October 15, the President accused President’s COPS program. According Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 the Congress of reducing domestic vio- to the General Accounting Office, 50 minutes to the gentleman from West lence programs by $50 million, hamper- percent of the communities do not par- Virginia [Mr. MOLLOHAN] for the pur- ing ‘‘our efforts to protect battered poses of debate only, and I yield back ticipate because they cannot afford to women and their children, to preserve participate. It costs them 25 percent of 30 minutes. families, and to punish those crimes.’’ Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time the total cost the first year; more in as I may consume. b 1230 the second; and after that, they are en- Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day today, Well, Mr. Speaker, that $50 million is tirely on their own. They simply can- after the President has vetoed the larg- included in this conference report, plus not afford it.
b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
H 15239 H 15240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 What we do in our program is make the floor 2 weeks ago, it was clear that ready to go as soon as this money is re- them put up 10 percent, and they can the President was going to veto it. In leased. It can be released with a con- use the money for cops, if they want, fact, when this bill passed the House in tinuing resolution. or for cop cars, if they need that, or for July, the President clearly indicated If the majority wants to debate the other things. that he would veto any version of the priorities, if it wants to debate block COPS is a discretionary grant pro- bill that did not fund the Cops on the grants, fine, let us debate block grants. gram, so communities cannot predict Beat Program in its already-authorized Let us debate priorities before this bill whether they will receive funds or not. last-year form. passes. Let us allow these policemen to And the COPS program that the Presi- The President has, from the begin- get on the street by debating a CR, get- dent wants, and here is the rub, re- ning of this process this year, indicated ting a CR out and passed so we can im- quires a whole brand new Washington his priorities for the bill, and the bill plement some of these crime-fighting bureaucracy. In fiscal 1996, 236 posi- Congress sent to him does not fund programs that the majority alludes to. tions; $26 million. They have rented a those priorities. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of 10-floor, 51,000 square foot building Now, Mr. Speaker, this is a perfunc- my time. where the rent alone costs $1.5 million. tory motion we debate this afternoon. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 The block grant program, which we It is absolutely perfunctory. We should minutes to the gentleman from Louisi- put in the bill, corrects all of those not even be here debating this motion ana [Mr. LIVINGSTON], the great chair- problems, but the President objects be- to send this bill back to the commit- man of the Committee on Appropria- cause Washington knows best. tee. We ought to be debating a continu- tions. So for those reasons, not spending ing resolution so that we can get the (Mr. LIVINGSTON asked and was enough on lower priority programs, a Government up and operating, so that given permission to revise and extend dispute over who gets credit for put- we can get these agencies funded, so his remarks.) ting more police on the streets, the that we can get this COPS program Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I President has vetoed the bill, the big- funded. thank my great chairman of the Sub- gest crime fighting appropriation in Mr. Speaker, there are 8,000 addi- committee on Commerce, Justice, the Nation’s history, putting at risk tional community policemen, on top of State and Judiciary for yielding time the jobs of some 200,000 Federal em- the 26,000 that the President has al- to me. ployees. ready gotten out during the last year. Mr. Speaker, the President vetoed I wish the President would get over There are 8,000 new cops that have been this bill, but it was no surprise to the this pique, this political pique. We are appointed, but they cannot be funded President what was in this bill. He has not asking him to vacate Air Force one because this bill has not passed, or be- known about this bill for 3 months, be- by the rear door. All we are saying is cause we have not passed a continuing cause it passed the House in July. The sign this bill; we sent you a good one. resolution while we debate the policy President has known the numbers that Every day these crime fighting funds priorities that are contained in this were in this bill since then. are delayed because of the President’s bill. He has known that this is a real veto is a day wasted in the fight Mr. Speaker, there is no reason, crime bill; that this bill provides $14.6 against violent crime, drugs, illegal there is no reason that these Justice billion to fight crime, which is 20 per- immigration and violence against Department programs, that these cent more than last year’s level. He has women. crime-fighting initiatives that were known that it provides 25 percent more I regret the President’s veto. I regret started under President Clinton’s pro- for immigration initiatives than last the fact that the White House never gram 2 years ago cannot now be fund- year’s level, and 57 percent more for saw fit to sit down with us to try to ed. We could be operating under a con- State and local law enforcement than work out an acceptable bill. I regret tinuing resolution. No reason why we last year’s level, plus it gives State and the fact that 200,000 Federal employees could not be operating under a continu- local law enforcement officials more continue to be at risk of furloughs be- ing resolution if we were not trying to opportunity to determine where the cause the President puts his priorities use the appropriations process as lever- money goes, and it requires less money ahead of theirs. age to bring the President to tow. up front from them than that COPS But the bill has been vetoed. The Now, that is what the majority is Program that we have heard so much only alternative we have, Mr. Speaker, doing. They are saying, oh, we are not about. is to send the bill back to the commit- funding all of these crime-fighting pro- This bill gives States 285 percent tee and start the process over. Con- gram because the President has vetoed more for State criminal alien assist- gress did its job on this bill. It passed this bill. This bill was supposed to be ance, and it includes 573 percent more the appropriations for Commerce, Jus- passed the 1st of October. This bill, and for violence against women’s programs. tice, State, the Federal Judiciary, and six other appropriations bills that are We have heard that there is a great others for fiscal 1996. not passed, were supposed to be passed need for violence against women’s pro- There is no bill in place now, not be- 3 months ago. They are not passed, and grams because of what battered women cause the Congress did not act, it is now we are sending it back to commit- around this country are telling us. This purely because the President acted to tee to try to rework the bill to accom- bill answers their pleas. It answers kill a bill that would have funded the modate the President’s concerns. In their call. And the President crassly greatest crime fighting era ever in the the meantime, unless we pass a con- vetoed this bill yesterday, a few days Nation’s history. tinuing resolution, which is what we before Christmas, right on the heels of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ought to be debating here, unless we his veto of the VA–HUD and Interior my time. pass that continuing resolution, Mr. bills. Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, these agencies are going to be If he had not vetoed those 3 bills, yield myself such time as I may continued to be shut down. 620,000 Federal employees would be em- consume. The point is, we could be funding ployed today without worry about Mr. Speaker, the President has ve- these programs right now if we were whether or not they are going to get toed the fiscal year 1996 Commerce, debating passing a CR and going for- their paycheck at Christmas. Justice, State and Judiciary and relat- ward, funding them while we debate Mr. Speaker, this bill is a good bill, ed agencies appropriations bill. As ev- these policy priorities and while we and it should have been signed, but the eryone knows, this is the third appro- consider the reconciliation bill. President could remedy this. He could priations bill the President has vetoed Mr. Speaker, let us move forward come back with an overall comprehen- this week, and his action on this bill is with the CR. The President was grant- sive package that puts us on a balanced not unexpected. As a matter of fact, ed applications for 8,000 additional po- budget by the year 2002, that includes Mr. Speaker, it is anything but unex- licemen to go into every community, whatever extra funding that he may pected. every State, every congressional dis- want, as long as he can find it in some When the Commerce, Justice, State trict across this Nation. Last year we other area in the entitlement pro- and Judiciary conference report was on appointed 26,000. We have 8,000 more grams. He can present to the American December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15241 people the proposal that he can govern, the nicest guys in the Congress, with committee. No matter what happens to that he can work with this Congress, if the lousiest bills that ever come to the this bill, for my part and the major- only he will sit down to the table with floor. ity’s part, no matter what happens to our negotiators. He has promised he Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I am not this bill, that money is going to be would, he has promised he is for a 7- sure whether I should thank the gen- there. year balanced budget, as scored by tleman or not; at least a half a thank The President was very supportive of CBO, but all we have heard is rhetoric. you. this. That was in his request. The vio- When the President decides to get se- Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the lence against women money will be in rious, this bill or some variation will gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. there. We should not be scaring people be signed into law. MORELLA]. out there and suggesting that that Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I (Mrs. MORELLA asked and was given money is not going to be there because yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from permission to revise and extend her re- the President vetoed the bill. The Michigan [Mr. CONYERS], the ranking marks.) President vetoed the bill for a lot of member. Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today policy reasons. That money will be (Mr. CONYERS asked and was given the lives of women and children are in there, and we ought not attempt to permission to revise and extend his re- great danger. I must remind my col- scare people. leagues that the Commerce, Justice, marks.) Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, if the State Appropriations Act contains crit- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank gentleman would continue to yield, ical funding for the Violence Against the ranking member of the subcommit- there are a lot of promises and assump- Women Act, legislation that has had tee for yielding time to me. tions that we feel in this legislative Mr. Speaker, we are back to the bill the overwhelming support of the Con- arena and we find out that may not that has come from the nicest sub- gress and the President. happen. We want to be assured that it committee chairman in the Congress Without these monies, we will not is signed so that we do have the money. with the lousiest bill. Here we are have desperately needed training pro- again. grams for those who are on the Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, again I guess the Republicans have to say I frontlines—our police and judges—in reclaiming my time, I hope I have believe the President now. He told fighting domestic violence, rape, and given the gentlewoman a little assur- them in the summer; he told them in other crimes against women. ance. the fall; he told them when the bill was We will not have the funds to Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 being debated, I will veto this bill. And strengthen efforts in our local commu- minutes to the gentleman from Colo- the Republicans gave him their advice, nities by our local law enforcement rado [Mr. SKAGGS], a distinguished which is their responsibility, and now agencies and by our prosecutors to member of our committee. he has vetoed the bill. They believe combat violent crimes against women. Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, why in him now. States and local government cannot do the world are we here in the middle of Now, where is the continuing resolu- this work without the funds in VAWA. December without this bill passed, tion? I think the gentleman from West We will not have the funds to pay for with the Government shut down? All of Virginia is absolutely correct. Look at victims services for women and chil- this was supposed to have been out of what we are doing here, gentlemen. dren who are in danger and in des- the way by the first of October. And Over and above the COPS Program, we perate circumstances. through no fault of the minority party, are eliminating the Drug Initiative In short, the progress we have made here we are. Program. I am glad the chairman of in the struggle to end domestic vio- Mr. Speaker, the majority simply the subcommittee saw fit not to men- lence and violent crimes against does not know how to run the Congress tion it. It is on the first page of the women is in jeopardy. Our States are on time, on schedule, to get our basic veto, if he will take a look at it. depending on these funds to proceed work done, our basic responsibilities We are getting rid of or crippling the with much needed programs in our taken care of. Legal Services Corporation, the pro- communities all across our country. In this instance, as in the case of so gram that would represent people who Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow the many of the appropriations bills, we women and children of this country to are indigent and cannot otherwise af- are 21⁄2 months late because the major- ford these services. be caught up in the crossfire of the ity insisted on jamming a bunch of We have a rider in the bill that the budget battles. controversial policy matters into bills We cannot leave this House without gentleman did not mention, a morato- to deal with appropriations matters, ensuring that we stand firm on our rium on the Endangered Species Act, where they have absolutely no busi- commitment to the women and fami- which has nothing whatsoever to do ness, and then getting hung up with lies of this Nation. We must reach with the bill. I guess the gentleman the Senate when they could not get agreement on this vital spending bill. does not know where that one came any agreement on how to do this. from. The women and children of this coun- try are depending on us. Mr. Speaker, we wasted months on b 1245 Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I the contract. We are late in getting the So, I would suggest to my colleagues yield 1 minute to myself, and I would appropriations bills done here. We are 1 that this is a very serious veto, well- like to ask the gentlewoman from 2 ⁄2 months into fiscal 1996, with the Government shut down, going through anticipated. We knew it was coming. Maryland [Mrs. MORELLA] if she would Why they would want to take away the engage me in a colloquy. this drill. Death Penalty Resource Center out of Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the We should be ashamed of ourselves. the legal services programs, I do not gentlewoman, she was not intending to Any majority party that took seriously know. imply that because the President ve- its basic responsibilities to run this Mr. Speaker, when race relationships toed this bill that was sent to him al- place, to get our work done, would not are at an all-time high in terms of mis- most 2 months after the time it was be bringing a bill like this up now with understanding, what do they do with supposed to be sent to him, that, for the Government in chaos. We would be the Community Relations Service in example, they money that is in here, getting a continuing resolution done the Department of Justice? Wipe it the $175 million for the violence that at least acknowledged the failure out. against women will not be funded. The of the majority party to be able to get Now, we come to the floor belaboring gentlewoman is not suggesting that, is its basic work accomplished on time. the fact that the President did pre- she? Mr. Speaker, we stand ready to see a cisely what he said he was going to do. Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, if the continuing resolution, to get this Gov- Do not be ashamed. Look, my col- gentleman would yield, we just cannot ernment back on its feet promptly this leagues have been there before. They tell. Right now, it is in total jeopardy. week before Christmas. It is a shame have done it all summer. I still say Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, re- that we are here in this kind of dys- that the chairman of the appropria- claiming my time, how is it in jeop- functional state of mind and state of tions subcommittee here is still one of ardy? This bill is going to come back to inaction while the good men and H 15242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 women of this country, who have a due respect, if the gentleman knows crime rate in this Nation tremen- right to expect more of their Govern- what the President has in his mind dously. ment than this kind of behavior, sit these days, he is smarter that the rest Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve out there looking at us aghast at our of America. the balance of my time. inability to get our basic responsibil- Mr. MOLLOHAN. Reclaiming my Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ities accomplished. time, will the gentlewoman acknowl- yield the balance of my time to the dis- Mr. Speaker, let us dismiss this par- edge that she was engaged in a biparti- tinguished gentleman from Wisconsin ticular distraction; get back to appro- san effort to get this money in the bill, [Mr. OBEY], the ranking minority mem- priation bills that are true to the tradi- and it was supported by the President? ber of the Committee on Appropria- tions of this place; get a continuing Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, if the tions. resolution through; and, get this Gov- gentleman would continue to yield, I Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, as previous ernment on its feet. appreciate the cooperation given from speakers have already indicated, the Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 the Democratic side of the aisle in this President indicated a long time ago minute to the gentlewoman from Stat- funding. I am only sorry that the that he was going to veto this bill, and en Island, NY [Ms. MOLINARI]. President did not enter into that spirit he indicated that repeatedly because of Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, I rise of cooperation. his concern that this bill rips up his today to express my strong disappoint- Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, will Cops on the Beat Program and a num- ment with President Clinton’s veto of the gentlewoman acknowledge that if ber of other concerns listed in the veto this bill. This bill included full funding we pass a continuing resolution here on message. That is not the issue here for the Violence Against Women Act; this bill, that we would be able to im- today. $175 million to protect women and chil- mediately fund this program while we The program with what is happening dren from abuse. That is an increase of go forward and debate these other is- here today is that we are debating a 573 percent from last year. sues, and we could immediately fund it, perfunctory motion to which abso- Mr. Speaker, regardless of why the get everybody back to work and get lutely no one is opposed. This motion President vetoed this bill, when he did, back them back to work now and pass is simply to send the bill to committee. he canceled the implementation of this the rest of the programs and the vio- Everybody is going to support that. funding. In the next 5 minutes, 1 lence against women programs? Does Mr. Speaker, instead of wasting time woman will be raped in America and 14 the gentlewoman agree with that? on this meaningless motion, what we more will be beaten by their husbands Ms. MOLINARI. No, absolutely not. ought to be doing, as the gentleman and boyfriends. We need to start as Mr. MOLLOHAN. The gentlewoman from West Virginia [Mr. MOLLOHAN] soon as possible to get money and pro- does not agree that if we get a continu- has indicated, is bringing a clean con- grams to our State and local govern- ing resolution passed, we would be able tinuing resolution to this floor to keep ments for things such as law enforce- to do that? the Government open so that all pro- ment and prosecution grants; court ap- Ms. MOLINARI. At last year’s level, grams, including these programs, can pointed special advocate programs for which is a significant diminution of continue to function. victims of child abuse; training for ju- what we are appropriating in this Con- What is rally at stake here is exactly dicial personnel and practitioners; $28 gress at 573 percent more this year. what the gentleman from West Vir- million to go for arrest policies to en- That is a tremendous difference. ginia has indicated. What is happening courage local governments to deal with Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I is that the Republican leadership of domestic violence as a serious criminal yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman this House is trying to gain leverage on offense; $1.5 million for a national from Connecticut [Ms. DELAURO]. their discussions with the President on stalkers and domestic violence reduc- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, the the 7-year budget by shutting down tion program; $7 million for rural do- issue today is not this motion that is Government and holding hostage all of mestic and child abuse enforcement. before us which is being debated, but these programs and all of the people Mr. Speaker, these are terrible trage- rather that we ought to be debating a running them until the President caves dies that are existing every minute continuing resolution so that we can in to the demands of the gentleman throughout this country in every cor- keep this Government open and we can from Georgia [Mr. GINGRICH]. ner of this country. We can go a long talk about the Commerce, State, and Mr. Speaker, what is at stake here way toward stopping this as soon as Justice bill, and the Cops on the Beat was summed up by the chairman of the the President will not hold this funding Program. Committee on Appropriations in a program hostage to the veto of the Mr. Speaker, let me make just one press conference he held after Presi- Commerce bill. I hope that he sees the point in that the President in my view dent Clinton signed the defense bill. error of his ways and implements his was correct to veto the Commerce, When the President signed the defense cooperation to get this money to the State and Justice bill for, particularly bill, my good friend, the gentleman States. in my view, for the Cops on the Beat from Louisiana [Mr. LIVINGSTON], then Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I Program and dismantling it. said as follows: ‘‘The President is at yield myself 1 minute to engage the But the gentlewoman from New York our mercy. If the Government shuts gentlewoman from New York [Ms. [Ms. MOLINARI] and the gentlewoman down on December 15 and 300,000 people MOLINARI]. from Maryland [Mrs. MORELLA] both are again out of work, most of the peo- Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman again know about the President’s commit- ple going out will be his people. I think suggests that money in here has been ment to the Violence Against Women’s he’s going to care more about that canceled for this program for the year. Act, and that if we got this Govern- than we do.’’ Is that what the gentlewoman is imply- ment open and running, that that Mr. Speaker, that is apparent today. ing? money would flow and the commitment It is very apparent that there is very Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, if the is absolutely there. little concern on the part of the major- gentleman would yield, I am sure I was Mr. Speaker, they were part of a bi- ity party leadership for the individual clear to say that when the President partisan effort to put it together, and workers in this country who are being vetoed this bill, he canceled the ex- anything that they get up to say about crunched because of a power game be- penditure of these funds until he finds it was a partisan on the their part tween the White House and the Speak- a bill that he wants to sign. today. er of the House. Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, re- Mr. Speaker, let me say that I Mr. Speaker, the leverage games claiming my time, but the gentle- strongly support what the President ought to stop. I know full well that if woman is not suggesting that money did on Commerce, State and Justice, those leverage games were not going will not be in this program one this bill specifically because I oppose disman- on, the subcommittee chairman of this is processed and signed by the Presi- tling the community policing initia- subcommittee and the ranking Demo- dent? tive. It is a crime fighting program crat could work out these differences Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, if the that has worked and one that we ought in half an hour, because they are both gentleman will yield further, with all to continue, and it has lowered the good men. I know that would happen. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15243 The fact is, this debate is a waste of do a drug treatment program, they The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under time. For any of our citizens who hap- could. If they wanted to use that the guidelines consistently issued by pen to be watching it today, it is a sad money for a new piece of equipment, successive Speakers as recorded on day in my view because it once again they could do that. Whatever they page 534 of the House rules manual, the demonstrates that we are mistaking wanted to do; what is good for Port- Chair is constrained not to entertain motion for movement. land, OR, is not good for Charleston. the gentleman’s request until it has b One size does not fit all. That is a very been cleared by the bipartisan floor 1300 big difference between Republicans and and committee leaderships, and, there- We should not be wasting our time on Democrats. fore, it is not in order at this time. a meaningless motion like this. We do not believe Washington should Mr. OBEY. I hope it will soon be I would urge the Speaker of the be dictating how to fight crime or cleared. House to immediately bring a continu- many other things to local govern- f ing resolution to the floor so that this ments. They ought to be making those charade can stop, so that Government decisions, and the President’s veto is WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER can stay open, so that Government an indication he does not agree with AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT agencies can provide the services to us. He agrees with the typical business- ON H.R. 2539, THE ICC TERMI- which the taxpayers are entitled, and as-usual liberal Democrats who like NATION ACT OF 1995 stop the political game. big government in Washington. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield The second thing in this bill about Mr. QUILLEN. Mr. Speaker, by direc- the balance of my time to the gen- fighting crime we seem to overlook tion of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 312 and ask for the tleman from Florida [Mr. MCCOLLUM], that is very important, maybe more the chairman of the Subcommittee on important in some ways than getting immediate consideration. Crime of the Committee on the Judici- 100,000 cops and changing the way we The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- ary. do business around here and so on, is lows: (Mr. MCCOLLUM asked and was the fact that we have in this bill a H. RES. 312 given permission to revise and extend change in the way we go about the in- Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- his remarks.) centive program for building new pris- lution it shall be in order to consider the Mr. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I ons to try to encourage States, if they conference report to accompany the bill thank the gentleman for yielding me (H.R. 2539) to abolish the Interstate Com- meet the goal of requiring violent re- merce Commission, to amend subtitle IV of this time. peat offenders to serve at least 85 per- title 49, United States Code, to reform eco- I want to say that I truly believe cent of their sentences, then they can nomic regulation of transportation, and for that there is probably no other illus- get prison grant money. Many States other purposes. All points of order against tration better than this bill today of are changing their laws to build these the conference report and against its consid- the differences between Republicans prisons. We have prisoners today get- eration are waived. The conference report and Democrats, fundamentally about ting out, serving only a third of their shall be considered as read. our approach to government and fun- sentences and committing violent The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- damentally about the revolution that crimes over and over again. tleman from Tennessee [Mr. QUILLEN] is taking place with the new majority. We ought to take away the key and is recognized for 1 hour. We are not doing business as usual, and throw it away and do away with it. Mr. QUILLEN. Mr. Speaker, for the some, I can understand it, on the other The last piece in this bill is prison purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- side of the aisle would like to see us do litigation reform. The President vetoed tomary 30 minutes to my good friend, it the traditional way. that, too. This bill should not have the gentleman from Massachusetts Yes, there is authorizing legislation been vetoed. [Mr. MOAKLEY], pending which I yield that normally would come through the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. myself such time as I may consume. authorizing committee to the floor in UPTON). Without objection, the pre- During consideration of this resolu- this bill, and, yes, we are doing some vious question is ordered on the mo- tion, all time yielded is for the purpose major changes, different from what the tion. of debate only. President wants, and, yes, we know There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 312 al- that we cannot succeed in some of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lows for the consideration of the con- these votes up and down with a question is on the motion offered by ference report to accompany H.R. 2539, straight ability to override a Presi- the gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. the Interstate, Commerce Commission dential veto because we do not have ROGERS]. Termination Act of 1995. Under the the votes to do that. The motion was agreed to. rule, all points of order against the But we are determined in our revolu- A motion to reconsider was laid on conference report and against its con- tion this year in making the change to the table. sideration are waived, and the con- the new majority to do what the public f ference report shall be considered as wants us to do, and that is to make a read. difference, to really change the way we REQUEST FOR COMMITTEE ON AP- Mr. Speaker, although I do not gen- fight crime, among other things, and PROPRIATIONS BE DISCHARGED erally favor granting blanket waivers, the way our Government responds to FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION the Rules Committee was provided things. OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION with a list of specific waivers required What this bill does and what this leg- 131, FURTHER CONTINUING AP- for consideration of this bill, and this islation on crime fighting does is to do PROPRIATION, FISCAL YEAR 1996 rule was adopted by voice vote in the that. It, first of all, takes a program or Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Rules Committee. two passed by the Democrats in the mous consent that the Committee on Also, there was discussion yesterday last Congress that provided Washing- Appropriations be discharged from fur- that the Senate might consider a con- ton business-as-usual grants out there ther consideration of House Joint Res- current resolution which would effec- for more police officers and for all olution 131, which is a clean continuing tively amend this conference report to kinds of so-called prevention programs resolution to extend the Government include the Whitfield amendment as that governments would have to apply through January 26, authorize 2.4 per- passed by the House. I supported the for and do it the way Washington said, cent military pay raise, effective Janu- Whitfield amendment when it was takes all of those programs and rolls ary 1, eliminate 6-month disparity be- adopted by the House because it pro- them into one single $10-billion grant tween COLA payment dates for mili- vided important protections for small program, block-grant program, for tary and civilian retirees in fiscal 1996, and medium size railroad employees which local cities and counties would and ask for its immediate consider- who lose their jobs because of a merger get the money to fight crime as they ation in the House. or acquisition. I think this language see fit. If they wanted to hire new po- Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, regular should have been retained without licemen, they could. If they wanted to order. change in this conference report. H 15244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 Unfortunately, the language of this Budget Act problems, 3-day layover of suant to clause 1(b) of rule XXIII, declare the concurrent resolution was unavailable conference reports issue be specified if House resolved into the Committee of the to the Rules Committee, and the com- there are going to be waivers of points Whole House on the state of the Union for mittee was unable to accommodate of order. consideration of the bill (H.R. 558) to grant the consent of the Congress to the Texas consideration of the concurrent resolu- The rule comes out with no specific- Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Com- tion in this rule. ity whatever. It just waives all points pact. The first reading of the bill shall be Mr. Speaker, funding for the ICC ex- of order. dispensed with. General debate shall be con- pires at the beginning of next year, and We also made a very modest request fined to the bill and shall not exceed one if we do not pass this conference re- that if the Senate acted on a Senate hour equally divided and controlled by the port, the important functions of this concurrent resolution to restore the chairman and ranking minority member of agency that are being transferred to Whitfield amendment as a substitute the Committee on Commerce. After general the Department of Transportation will for the language in the conference re- debate the bill shall be considered for port dealing with labor protective pro- amendment under the five-minute rule. Each fall by the wayside. This bill provides section shall be considered as read. During for an orderly termination and transfer visions, that it be made in order for us consideration of the bill for amendment, the of the vital functions of the ICC. to take up that Senate concurrent res- Chairman of the Committee of the Whole This is an important part of our ef- olution. The Senate has not yet acted. may accord priority in recognition on the forts to downsize the Federal Govern- It may not act on that concurrent reso- basis of whether the Member offering an ment, and I urge adoption of the rule lution. But there is no provision in this amendment has caused it to be printed in the and the conference report. rule as we requested. It was a modest portion of the Congressional Record des- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of request. I thought it was favorably re- ignated for that purpose in clause 6 of rule my time. ceived by the chairman of the Commit- XXIII. Amendments so printed shall be con- Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield sidered as read. At the conclusion of consid- tee on Rules. But it is not included eration of the bill for amendment the Com- myself such time as I may consume here as a mere courtesy to the Demo- mittee shall rise and report the bill to the and I thank my colleague from Ten- crats. House with such amendments as may have nessee for yielding me the customary This conference report is not a sim- been adopted. The previous question shall be half hour. ple matter. This is 164 pages of very considered as ordered on the bill and amend- Mr. Speaker, although this is a technical language dealing with a com- ments thereto to final passage without inter- standard conference report rule, I am plex subject in the sunsetting of the vening motion except one motion to recom- very much opposed to this bill. oldest regulatory body in the Federal mit with or without instructions. Despite promises to the contrary, de- Government structure dealing with a spite the House-passed compromise on mode of transportation that, in the b 1315 November 14—this bill contains some 19th century, was the life line of Amer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- serious antiworker provisions. ica and all the way up through until This bill takes away class 2 and class tleman from Colorado [Mr. MCINNIS] is the end of World War II was the corner- recognized for 1 hour. 3 railroad workers’ right to collective stone of our national economy, the bargaining. It will hurt thousands of railroad industry. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, for the hard working Americans and it is un- We are going to wipe it away. We purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- fair. have a bill with 164 pages of technical tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman Mr. Speaker, nearly every other language. Points of order are simply from California, [Mr. BEILENSON], pend- American worker has the right to col- waived. They do not say which ones. ing which I yield myself such time as I lective bargaining, including class 1 They do not give us the opportunity to may consume. During the consider- railroad workers, class 2 and class 3 bring up, should it be enacted, should ation of this resolution, all time yield- railroad workers should have the same it be passed by the Senate, the Senate ed is for the purpose of debate only. worker protection as everyone else. concurrent resolution. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 313 is But, Mr. Speaker, once again, my Re- I find this very, very curious. I find it a very simple resolution. The proposed publican colleagues are choosing em- unpalatable. I find it inappropriate. rule is an open rule providing for 1 ployers over employees. Nonetheless, I recognize that the hour of general debate divided equally They are saying that hard-working other side has the votes. We will save between the chairman and ranking mi- railroad workers do not deserve the our fight for the conference report. nority member of the Committee on most basic worker protections. They Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have Commerce. After general debate, the are saying that rail carrier mergers are no further requests for time, and I bill shall be considered as read for more important than people. yield back the balance of my time. amendment under the 5 minute rule. Thankfully, President Clinton has Mr. QUILLEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield The resolution allows the Chair to ac- said he will veto this bill, and I think myself such time as I may consume. cord priority recognition to Members he should. My colleagues should have Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the who have preprinted their amendments kept their word and rail workers rule and the conference report when it in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Finally, should be able to keep their jobs. is brought before the House. Mr. Speaker, the rule provides one mo- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tion to recommit with or without in- oppose this rule. American workers de- of my time, and I move the previous structions. serve every protection we can give question on the resolution. Mr. Speaker, the chairman of the them. The previous question was ordered. Committee on Commerce, Mr. BLILEY, Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the The resolution was agreed to. requested an open rule for this legisla- gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. OBER- A motion to reconsider was laid on tion. This open rule was reported out of STAR], ranking member of the commit- the table. the Committee on Rules by unanimous tee. f Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I voice vote. thank the gentleman for yielding me PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, I this time. OF H.R. 558, TEXAS LOW-LEVEL voted against this legislation under the Mr. Speaker, when the Committee on RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL suspension of the rules because I felt Rules met last night and our side testi- COMPACT CONSENT ACT that this legislation should be thor- fied at the meeting of the Committee Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, by direc- oughly debated. Under the proposed on Rules, we asked for very few things. tion of the Committee on Rules, I call rule, each Member has an opportunity We asked that if points of order are up House Resolution 313 and ask for its to have their concerns addressed, de- going to be waived in this rule, that immediate consideration. bated, and ultimately voted up or down they be specified, that there be a spe- The Clerk read the resolution as fol- by this body. I urge my colleagues to cific reference to which points of order lows: support this rule, as well as the under- are to be waived in the interests of H. RES. 313 lying legislation. fairness and openness, and we asked Resolved, That at any time after the adop- Mr. Speaker, I include the following that issues such as scope, germaneness, tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- data for the RECORD. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15245 THE AMENDMENT PROCESS UNDER SPECIAL RULES REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE,1 103D CONGRESS V. 104TH CONGRESS [As of December 19, 1995]
103d Congress 104th Congress Rule type Number of rules Percent of total Number of rules Percent of total
Open/Modified-open 2 ...... 46 44 58 65 Modified Closed 3 ...... 49 47 20 23 Closed 4 ...... 9 9 11 12
Total ...... 104 100 89 100
1 This table applies only to rules which provide for the original consideration of bills, joint resolutions or budget resolutions and which provide for an amendment process. It does not apply to special rules which only waive points of order against appropriations bills which are already privileged and are considered under an open amendment process under House rules. 2 An open rule is one under which any Member may offer a germane amendment under the five-minute rule. A modified open rule is one under which any Member may offer a germane amendment under the five-minute rule subject only to an overall time limit on the amendment process and/or a requirement that the amendment be preprinted in the Congressional Record. 3 A modified closed rule is one under which the Rules Committee limits the amendments that may be offered only to those amendments designated in the special rule or the Rules Committee report to accompany it, or which preclude amendments to a particular portion of a bill, even though the rest of the bill may be completely open to amendment. 4 A closed rule is one under which no amendments may be offered (other than amendments recommended by the committee in reporting the bill).
SPECIAL RULES REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE, 104TH CONGRESS [As of December 19, 1995]
H. Res. No. (Date rept.) Rule type Bill No. Subject Disposition of rule
H. Res. 38 (1/18/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 5 ...... Unfunded Mandate Reform ...... A: 350–71 (1/19/95). H. Res. 44 (1/24/95) ...... MC ...... H. Con. Res. 17 ...... Social Security ...... A: 255–172 (1/25/95). H.J. Res. 1 ...... Balanced Budget Amdt ...... H. Res. 51 (1/31/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 101 ...... Land Transfer, Taos Pueblo Indians ...... A: voice vote (2/1/95). H. Res. 52 (1/31/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 400 ...... Land Exchange, Arctic Nat’l. Park and Preserve ...... A: voice vote (2/1/95). H. Res. 53 (1/31/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 440 ...... Land Conveyance, Butte County, Calif ...... A: voice vote (2/1/95). H. Res. 55 (2/1/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2 ...... Line Item Veto ...... A: voice vote (2/2/95). H. Res. 60 (2/6/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 665 ...... Victim Restitution ...... A: voice vote (2/7/95). H. Res. 61 (2/6/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 666 ...... Exclusionary Rule Reform ...... A: voice vote (2/7/95). H. Res. 63 (2/8/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 667 ...... Violent Criminal Incarceration ...... A: voice vote (2/9/95). H. Res. 69 (2/9/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 668 ...... Criminal Alien Deportation ...... A: voice vote (2/10/95). H. Res. 79 (2/10/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 728 ...... Law Enforcement Block Grants ...... A: voice vote (2/13/95). H. Res. 83 (2/13/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 7 ...... National Security Revitalization ...... PQ: 229–100; A: 227–127 (2/15/95). H. Res. 88 (2/16/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 831 ...... Health Insurance Deductibility ...... PQ: 230–191; A: 229–188 (2/21/95). H. Res. 91 (2/21/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 830 ...... Paperwork Reduction Act ...... A: voice vote (2/22/95). H. Res. 92 (2/21/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 889 ...... Defense Supplemental ...... A: 282–144 (2/22/95). H. Res. 93 (2/22/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 450 ...... Regulatory Transition Act ...... A: 252–175 (2/23/95). H. Res. 96 (2/24/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 1022 ...... Risk Assessment ...... A: 253–165 (2/27/95). H. Res. 100 (2/27/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 926 ...... Regulatory Reform and Relief Act ...... A: voice vote (2/28/95). H. Res. 101 (2/28/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 925 ...... Private Property Protection Act ...... A: 271–151 (3/2/95). H. Res. 103 (3/3/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 1058 ...... Securities Litigation Reform ...... H. Res. 104 (3/3/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 988 ...... Attorney Accountability Act ...... A: voice vote (3/6/95). H. Res. 105 (3/6/95) ...... MO ...... A: 257–155 (3/7/95). H. Res. 108 (3/7/95) ...... Debate ...... H.R. 956 ...... Product Liability Reform ...... A: voice vote (3/8/95). H. Res. 109 (3/8/95) ...... MC ...... PQ: 234–191 A: 247–181 (3/9/95). H. Res. 115 (3/14/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 1159 ...... Making Emergency Supp. Approps ...... A: 242–190 (3/15/95). H. Res. 116 (3/15/95) ...... MC ...... H.J. Res. 73 ...... Term Limits Const. Amdt ...... A: voice vote (3/28/95). H. Res. 117 (3/16/95) ...... Debate ...... H.R. 4 ...... Personal Responsibility Act of 1995 ...... A: voice vote (3/21/95). H. Res. 119 (3/21/95) ...... MC ...... A: 217–211 (3/22/95). H. Res. 125 (4/3/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1271 ...... Family Privacy Protection Act ...... A: 423–1 (4/4/95). H. Res. 126 (4/3/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 660 ...... Older Persons Housing Act ...... A: voice vote (4/6/95). H. Res. 128 (4/4/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 1215 ...... Contract With America Tax Relief Act of 1995 ...... A: 228–204 (4/5/95). H. Res. 130 (4/5/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 483 ...... Medicare Select Expansion ...... A: 253–172 (4/6/95). H. Res. 136 (5/1/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 655 ...... Hydrogen Future Act of 1995 ...... A: voice vote (5/2/95). H. Res. 139 (5/3/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1361 ...... Coast Guard Auth. FY 1996 ...... A: voice vote (5/9/95). H. Res. 140 (5/9/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 961 ...... Clean Water Amendments ...... A: 414–4 (5/10/95). H. Res. 144 (5/11/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 535 ...... Fish Hatchery—Arkansas ...... A: voice vote (5/15/95). H. Res. 145 (5/11/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 584 ...... Fish Hatchery—Iowa ...... A: voice vote (5/15/95). H. Res. 146 (5/11/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 614 ...... Fish Hatchery—Minnesota ...... A: voice vote (5/15/95). H. Res. 149 (5/16/95) ...... MC ...... H. Con. Res. 67 ...... Budget Resolution FY 1996 ...... PQ: 252–170 A: 255–168 (5/17/95). H. Res. 155 (5/22/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 1561 ...... American Overseas Interests Act ...... A: 233–176 (5/23/95). H. Res. 164 (6/8/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 1530 ...... Nat. Defense Auth. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 225–191 A: 233–183 (6/13/95). H. Res. 167 (6/15/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1817 ...... MilCon Appropriations FY 1996 ...... PQ: 223–180 A: 245–155 (6/16/95). H. Res. 169 (6/19/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 1854 ...... Leg. Branch Approps. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 232–196 A: 236–191 (6/20/95). H. Res. 170 (6/20/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1868 ...... For. Ops. Approps. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 221–178 A: 217–175 (6/22/95). H. Res. 171 (6/22/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1905 ...... Energy & Water Approps. FY 1996 ...... A: voice vote (7/12/95). H. Res. 173 (6/27/95) ...... C ...... H.J. Res. 79 ...... Flag Constitutional Amendment ...... PQ: 258–170 A: 271–152 (6/28/95). H. Res. 176 (6/28/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 1944 ...... Emer. Supp. Approps ...... PQ: 236–194 A: 234–192 (6/29/95). H. Res. 185 (7/11/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1977 ...... Interior Approps. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 235–193 D: 192–238 (7/12/95). H. Res. 187 (7/12/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1977 ...... Interior Approps. FY 1996 #2 ...... PQ: 230–194 A: 229–195 (7/13/95). H. Res. 188 (7/12/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1976 ...... Agriculture Approps. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 242–185 A: voice vote (7/18/95). H. Res. 190 (7/17/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2020 ...... Treasury/Postal Approps. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 232–192 A: voice vote (7/18/95). H. Res. 193 (7/19/95) ...... C ...... H.J. Res. 96 ...... Disapproval of MFN to China ...... A: voice vote (7/20/95). H. Res. 194 (7/19/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2002 ...... Transportation Approps. FY 1996 ...... PQ: 217–202 (7/21/95). H. Res. 197 (7/21/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 70 ...... Exports of Alaskan Crude Oil ...... A: voice vote (7/24/95). H. Res. 198 (7/21/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2076 ...... Commerce, State Approps. FY 1996 ...... A: voice vote (7/25/95). H. Res. 201 (7/25/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2099 ...... VA/HUD Approps. FY 1996 ...... A: 230–189 (7/25/95). H. Res. 204 (7/28/95) ...... MC ...... S. 21 ...... Terminating U.S. Arms Embargo on Bosnia ...... A: voice vote (8/1/95). H. Res. 205 (7/28/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2126 ...... Defense Approps. FY 1996 ...... A: 409–1 (7/31/95). H. Res. 207 (8/1/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 1555 ...... Communications Act of 1995 ...... A: 255–156 (8/2/95). H. Res. 208 (8/1/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2127 ...... Labor, HHS Approps. FY 1996 ...... A: 323–104 (8/2/95). H. Res. 215 (9/7/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1594 ...... Economically Targeted Investments ...... A: voice vote (9/12/95). H. Res. 216 (9/7/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 1655 ...... Intelligence Authorization FY 1996 ...... A: voice vote (9/12/95). H. Res. 218 (9/12/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1162 ...... Deficit Reduction Lockbox ...... A: voice vote (9/13/95). H. Res. 219 (9/12/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1670 ...... Federal Acquisition Reform Act ...... A: 414–0 (9/13/95). H. Res. 222 (9/18/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1617 ...... CAREERS Act ...... A: 388–2 (9/19/95). H. Res. 224 (9/19/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2274 ...... Natl. Highway System ...... PQ: 241–173 A: 375–39–1 (9/20/95). H. Res. 225 (9/19/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 927 ...... Cuban Liberty & Dem. Solidarity ...... A: 304–118 (9/20/95). H. Res. 226 (9/21/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 743 ...... Team Act ...... A: 344–66–1 (9/27/95). H. Res. 227 (9/21/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1170 ...... 3-Judge Court ...... A: voice vote (9/28/95). H. Res. 228 (9/21/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1601 ...... Internatl. Space Station ...... A: voice vote (9/27/95). H. Res. 230 (9/27/95) ...... C ...... H.J. Res. 108 ...... Continuing Resolution FY 1996 ...... A: voice vote (9/28/95). H. Res. 234 (9/29/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2405 ...... Omnibus Science Auth ...... A: voice vote (10/11/95). H. Res. 237 (10/17/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 2259 ...... Disapprove Sentencing Guidelines ...... A: voice vote (10/18/95). H. Res. 238 (10/18/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 2425 ...... Medicare Preservation Act ...... PQ: 231–194 A: 227–192 (10/19/95). H. Res. 239 (10/19/95) ...... C ...... H.R. 2492 ...... Leg. Branch Approps ...... PQ: 235–184 A: voice vote (10/31/95). H. Res. 245 (10/25/95) ...... MC ...... H. Con. Res. 109 ...... Social Security Earnings Reform ...... PQ: 228–191 A: 235–185 (10/26/95). H.R. 2491 ...... Seven-Year Balanced Budget ...... H. Res. 251 (10/31/95) ...... C ...... H.R. 1833 ...... Partial Birth Abortion Ban ...... A: 237–190 (11/1/95). H. Res. 252 (10/31/95) ...... MO ...... H.R. 2546 ...... D.C. Approps...... A: 241–181 (11/1/95). H. Res. 257 (11/7/95) ...... C ...... H.J. Res. 115 ...... Cont. Res. FY 1996 ...... A: 216–210 (11/8/95). H. Res. 258 (11/8/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 2586 ...... Debt Limit ...... A: 220–200 (11/10/95). H. Res. 259 (11/9/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2539 ...... ICC Termination Act ...... A: voice vote (11/14/95). H. Res. 261 (11/9/95) ...... C ...... H.J. Res. 115 ...... Cont. Resolution ...... A: 223–182 (11/10/95). H. Res. 262 (11/9/95) ...... C ...... H.R. 2586 ...... Increase Debt Limit ...... A: 220–185 (11/10/95). H. Res. 269 (11/15/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 2564 ...... Lobbying Reform ...... A: voice vote (11/16/95). H. Res. 270 (11/15/95) ...... C ...... H.J. Res. 122 ...... Further Cont. Resolution ...... A: 229–176 (11/15/95). H. Res. 273 (11/16/95) ...... MC ...... H.R. 2606 ...... Prohibition on Funds for Bosnia ...... A: 239–181 (11/17/95). H 15246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 SPECIAL RULES REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE, 104TH CONGRESS—Continued [As of December 19, 1995]
H. Res. No. (Date rept.) Rule type Bill No. Subject Disposition of rule
H. Res. 284 (11/29/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1788 ...... Amtrak Reform ...... A: voice vote (11/30/95). H. Res. 287 (11/30/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1350 ...... Maritime Security Act ...... A: voice vote (12/6/95). H. Res. 293 (12/7/95) ...... C ...... H.R. 2621 ...... Protect Federal Trust Funds ...... PQ: 223–183 A: 228–184 (12/14/95). H. Res. 303 (12/13/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 1745 ...... Utah Public Lands. H. Res. 309 (12/18/95) ...... C ...... H. Con. Res. 122 ...... Budget Res. W/President ...... PQ: 230–188 A: 229–189 (12/19/95). H. Res. 313 (12/19/95) ...... O ...... H.R. 558 ...... Texas Low-Level Radioactive. Codes: O-open rule; MO-modified open rule; MC-modified closed rule; C-closed rule; A-adoption vote; D-defeated; PQ-previous question vote. Source: Notices of Action Taken, Committee on Rules, 104th Congress.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the Again, Mr. Speaker, we support this compacts before it, does not specify a gentleman from Texas [Mr. BONILLA]. rule. It is an open rule, but we remain site. It was the intent of Congress that Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank disturbed that it is being taken up at siting, like the other responsibilities the gentleman for yielding me time. all for legislation that has already been outlined in the Low-Level Radioactive Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to defeated by the House, as the gen- Waste Act, would remain a State issue. the Texas Low-Level Radioactive tleman from Texas just said, when we Regardless of the site, the States of Waste Disposal Compact Consent Act should be considering the spending leg- Texas, Maine, and Vermont need the and the rule for the bill. As you all islation that is critical to ensuring congressional consent of this compact. know this bill was considered by the that our citizens receive the Govern- And regardless of the compact, these House back in September. The House ment services they deserve. States will have a need for low-level overwhelmingly defeated this bill by a Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of radioactive waste disposal capability. vote on 243 to 176 under suspension of my time. The facts are very clear. the rules. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield I commend the Rules Committee for three minutes to the gentleman from An open rule will provide a good forum to debate these points. The rule a job well done in developing this rule. Colorado [Mr. SCHAEFER] who is also It is an open and very fair rule, how- chairman of the subcommittee. is a good one and I urge the House’s ever I believe this bill should not be (Mr. SCHAEFER asked and was given adoption. coming to the floor for another vote. permission to revise and extend his re- Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I This rule would have been appropriate marks.) yield such time as he may consume to had the bill been considered in regular Mr. SCHAEFER. Mr. Speaker, I the gentleman from Maine [Mr. order back in September when it was thank the gentleman for yielding me BALDACCI]. first voted upon. time. Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise The House already made its state- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of today in support of the rule on H.R. ment loud and clear by rejecting this House Resolution 313, the rule which 558, the bill to give congressional con- bill. This bill is not in order today and accompanies H.R. 558, the Texas Low- sent to the Texas low-level radioactive I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill Level Radioactive Waste Compact Con- waste disposal compact. and the rule. sent Act. This bill, introduced by our Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I colleague, JACK FIELDS, will allow the Many of my colleagues had opposed yield myself such time as I may States of Texas, Maine, and Vermont this bill when it came up under the consume. to join the other 42 States which have Suspension Calendar, and I have talked Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman already entered into low-level radio- to some of them about their vote. One from Colorado [Mr. MCINNIS] for yield- active waste disposal agreements. of the reasons that they most fre- ing the customary 30 minutes of debate The Open rule, providing that debate quently gave for their opposition was time to me. on and possible amendments to H.R. the lack of an opportunity to fully de- Mr. Speaker, we support this open bate this question. rule for H.R. 558, the Texas Low-Level 558 will allow for a broad range of is- Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact sues to be discussed, is a welcome step. The Committee on Rules has rec- Consent Act. The bill was defeated The measure had strong bipartisan sup- ommended an open rule allowing for 1 overwhelmingly by a vote of 176 to 243 port during the Commerce Commit- hour of general debate. I fully expect a in September when it was taken up on tee’s consideration of it, and I am vigorous discussion on the compact. I the suspension calendar, and the bill it- hopeful that once Members have lis- look forward to that debate and to an- self remains quite controversial. tened to this debate at the full House swering any questions that may arise. level, the bill will enjoy similar wide In fact, we were surprised to see it The compact is important for Texas. placed on the schedule for today with support on final passage. Low-level wastes emit a low inten- It is important for Vermont, and it is such little notice. Members of the important for Maine. This would be the Committee on Rules were not notified sity of radioactivity. In fact, the vast majority of low-level wastes—97 per- 10th compact that Congress has rati- until yesterday afternoon that it would fied since 1985, when Congress enacted be taken up by committee at 5:15 yes- cent—do not require any special shield- the low-level radioactive waste dis- terday evening. We questioned the wis- ing to protect workers or the surround- posal policy amendments. dom of considering this bill again, even ing community. Examples of these under an open rule, at this time in the wastes range from the coverall uni- This was one of those unfunded man- session. It is not at all clear that the forms used at nuclear power sites to dates that Congress gave the States to most open procedure can solve the the radioactive elements of a hospital develop methods of managing low-level problems that the bill seems to have. x-ray machine. nuclear waste. The three States have The fact that the Texas delegation it- Currently, 42 States are already in- diligently complied with that mandate. self is split evenly on the bill, 15 Mem- volved in nine compact arrangements The Governors and the legislatures of bers voted for it and 15 against it when for the disposal of low-level waste. H.R. Vermont and Texas have approved the it was before us in September, should 558 would finally allow the States of compact. The Governor and legislature have been a sign to the leadership that Texas, Maine, and Vermont to begin and people of Maine have approved the the strong vote against the bill should, their efforts to fully comply with the compact. for the moment at least, be allowed to Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the stand. Act of 1980 and to join the other States Nevertheless, we are here today con- which have already entered into such rule. sidering this legislation when we compacts. Mr. Speaker, since my good friend should be putting all of our efforts and One of the important and controver- has allowed me such time as I may energy into passing the long-overdue sial matters raised during the House’s consume, I thought it was probably im- annual appropriations bills that are first consideration of this bill revolved portant to utilize this opportunity to crucial to returning Government serv- around the siting of the low-level waste discuss the low-level radioactive waste ices to the American people. facility. H.R. 558, like the other nine compact. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15247 The measure before us today would give to limit the amount of low-level radioactive This bill does not site the low-level congressional approval to the compact be- waste coming into its facility from out-of-State waste depository within the State of tween Maine, Vermont, and Texas for the dis- sources. Texas. It simply gives the State the au- posal of low-level radioactive waste produced Maine and Vermont together produce a frac- thority to contract with Vermont and in those States. tion of what is generated in Texas. For Maine Maine for their low-level waste. It will Experience has probably taught all of us just and Vermont, the compact relieves either be a State decision within Texas where how difficult waste management issues can State from the need to develop its own facility. to put the depository. become. And none is more difficult than those Given the relatively small volume of waste The Members from our State delega- involving radioactive materials. produced in Maine, developing such a facility tion that oppose this legislation appar- In 1985, after considerable debate, Con- would be disproportionately expensive. ently oppose it because they oppose These benefits are among the reasons that gress enacted the low-level radioactive waste where the State has so far decided to the compact received overwhelming support disposal policy amendments act. Congress locate the depository. But this act in from the Governors and legislatures in all gave responsibility to the States for the man- and of itself is not site specific. It sim- agement of low-level radioactive waste. These three States. We should act now to approve H.R. 558 ply gives the State of Texas and the materials are byproducts of nuclear medicine, State of Vermont and the State of nuclear research, industrial processes as well without amendments. It represents the States' best efforts to comply with a Federal mandate. Maine the right to enter into a com- as nuclear power generation. pact as this Congress or other previous Congress clearly gave the States a man- It is not directly linked to the development of any specific site in Texas. It contains major Congresses have given nine other com- date, without funding I might add, to develop pacts. responsible methods for managing this waste. benefits for all three States. I urge you to sup- H.R. 558 would simply ratify the compact ne- port H.R. 558. So I want to strongly support the gotiated between Maine, Vermont, and Texas. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 rule. I hope we pass the rule, and then It represents the last step in the process. minutes to the fine gentleman from the I would hope that all Members would These three States have diligently complied State of Texas [Mr. BARTON]. vote positively on the underlying bill, Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with the congressional mandate. H.R. 558 de- H.R. 558. It is simply giving these three I will not use 15 minutes, I assure the serves our overwhelming support. States, Texas, Vermont, and Maine, Congress, in dictating to the States Chair and the other Members of the the right, as other States have, to and requiring the States to come up body. I do want to speak for more than enter into an interstate compact for with these compacts, this is the 10th 1 or 2 minutes. the transmission and disposal of low- Mr. Speaker, when I was elected in compact that Congress has approved level nuclear waste. 1984, I came to the Congress in January since 1985—9 others involving 42 States 1985, I had the honor to be placed on have received speedy consent. It would b 1330 what was then called the Interior Com- be very irresponsible and also unfair if mittee, chaired by the distinguished Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I we were to reject the compact now be- gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Mo Udall. yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from fore us. It would be a complete reversal One of the pieces of legislation that Texas [Mr. GENE GREEN]. of the policy established by Congress. that committee moved that year was Opponents of the legislation have ob- (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked the Low-Level Waste Policy Act jected to the proposed site of the low- and was given permission to revise and Amendments of 1985, in which it gave level waste disposal facility in Texas. extend his remarks.) States the authority to create inter- These objections are not relevant to Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. state compacts with other States for the compact. The compact presented in Speaker, I rise in support of the rule the disposal of low-level nuclear waste. H.R. 558 is site neutral. In fact, the At that time, the State of Texas and the bill, H.R. 558, the Texas low- siting process conducted by the State chose to create a compact simply with- level radioactive waste disposal com- of Texas and the compact between the in its State boundaries and not to cre- pact. States of Maine, Vermont, and Texas, ate an interstate compact with other Low-level waste is a by-product of are separate and independent. As I un- States. Since that time, the State of many industrial and medical activities derstand it, Texas initiated the siting Texas has been in negotiations with that contribute to our economy in process long before it began negotia- the State of Vermont and the State of Texas and also enhance our lives. For tions with Maine and Vermont. In fact, Maine and has decided to take advan- example, it is not in my district but it the proposed site still requires ap- tage of the 1985 act and create an inter- serves my community, our hospitals in proval of the Texas Natural Resources state compact. Nine other interstate the city of Houston and around the Conservation Commission. compacts have been approved by this State are national leaders in health So the commission has just now Congress since the Low-Level Waste care and medical research, and we have started what will be a lengthy public Policy Act Amendments of 1985. this low-level waste now literally on proceeding to consider all the issues as- When this bill first came to the floor the property of the hospitals because sociated with the proposed site. So for earlier this year, it was defeated, and it they have to have someplace to put it. those reasons, and many others, I was defeated primarily because many We have an agreement now with two would support the rule and also support Members felt like that since one or two other States, and that is why H.R. 558 the passage of this legislation. Members in the State of Texas on the is so important. The Texas commission has just now started Republican side were opposed to this Responsible management of this what will be a lengthy public proceeding to legislation, that the State of Texas it- waste that the hospitals produce in- consider all of the issues associated with the self and the Republican delegation in clude clothing, the laboratory supplies, proposed site. If the proposed site is found to general was opposed. and paper requiring permanent disposal be deficient, then the license will not be grant- Nothing could be further from the in a site specifically designed for that ed and another site will have to be selected. truth. The Governor of the State of purpose. Nonetheless, the siting issues such as water Texas, the Honorable George Bush, quality impacts, seismology matters, and relat- strongly supports the passage of this The States of Texas, Maine, and Ver- ed concerns are simply not germane to our act. The former Governor, the Honor- mont have all agreed to proceed with consideration of our H.R. 558. Neither the able Ann Richards, formerly when she this compact which, by law, Congress compact nor H.R. 558 specify any particular was Governor supported this act. So must approve; however, the implemen- site in Texas. This decision is solely the re- both our Democrat former Governor tation and site selection is a State sponsibility of the Government of the State of and Republican Governor support the matter. And I believe the States who Texas. The siting decision is the right of the passage of H.R. 558. sign this compact should be allowed to State of Texas. We in Washington should not When it comes to a vote later this proceed with it. interfere in that process. week, my guess is that almost, not I know in Texas, Mr. Speaker, we Finally, it is also important to understand every Texan, but almost every Texas have done that. Governor McKernan of that the compact under consideration contains Member will support this act. On the Maine signed the compact in 1993 and real and significant advantages for all three Republican side, all but one or two will the Maine voters approved it by ref- States. With the compact, Texas will be able support it. erendum later that year. Governor H 15248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 Dean in Vermont in April 1994. In State legislature dealing with this last gentleman who addressed this Texas, both the previous Governor, issue because I worked on it then. House told us what the truth of the Governor Anne Richards, and current Mr. COLEMAN. So then the gen- matter is. What they do not care about Governor Bush also strongly supported tleman understands, if Connecticut, for is the consequences. If there is an this compact. In fact, in 1991, as the example, which already has made some earthquake or an accident that occurs State senator representing part of the approaches to this compact, or pro- in the next 300 or 400 years, they do not Harris County area in Houston, I sup- posed-compact States, if Connecticut care. They do not care if they are on ported the compact as a State senator. wanted to join the compact, then, of record because they will not be here. If This law allows us to maintain con- course, the gentleman’s statement is it occurs in the next 5 or 10 years, my trol over this issue for the States and that we cannot prohibit that here in colleagues may care. just simply allows the process to go the Congress; that that would be up to It may not look too good that they forward. the commissioners only who serve on were willing to put this dump site We cannot continue to stick our head the commission; is that right? where it should not be in the first in the sand and say we do not have a Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. It is not place; and, second, that they are will- my bill, but I would support limiting it place for this. By allowing this com- ing to take a nuclear reactor from Con- to the waste of the three States. pact it would allow the State of Texas, necticut, because that is the next thing a large geographic State with a great Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from that is coming. I hope everybody un- deal of urban area that produces this derstands that. low-level waste, a place to store it Texas [Mr. COLEMAN]. Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, All of my colleagues in Texas that other than the urban areas that is close will the gentleman yield for an answer think this is smart better start think- to all of our homes. to the question? ing ahead just a little bit. This is not Again, Mr. Speaker, we need this be- Mr. COLEMAN. I am happy to yield about Maine and Vermont and Texas cause our hospitals and our medical to the gentleman from Texas. only. Once they open this site, these centers are contributing to it and they Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, commissioners will elect to put radio- need to have someplace that is the I would say to the gentleman that I active nuclear waste from every State, least affected environment for it. That was one of the authors of the amend- if they want to, because only they will is why, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support ments in 1985, and it is the intent of be doing it. of the rule and also in support of H.R. the legislation to give the States the We are told it is outside the scope for 558. right to negotiate between themselves this Congress to act for the health care Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Chairman, will for these compacts. It would, in my the gentleman yield? and welfare of the American people, opinion, be outside the scope of this and that is flat wrong. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. I yield particular bill to try to limit any of to the gentleman from Texas, who, Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the legislatures in what they could do. myself such time as I may consume. frankly, he and I served in the State I would oppose the gentleman’s legislature together, but not in the amendment if he were to offer such an I would remind my colleagues that 1990’s, because he was in Congress then. amendment. I personally do not have a the issue we are talking about right Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I guess problem limiting the States, but the now is the rule, and we have an open my question for the gentleman is, since underlying legislation gives the States rule. It came out of the Committee on he was for this legislation when he was the right to negotiate these compacts, Rules on a unanimous voice vote. I do in the State Senate in the State of and the Congress’ role is simply to rat- not want everyone’s attention being di- Texas, I guess my question is, would he ify or to not ratify the compact. verted away from the fact that the de- agree to an amendment, if we were to Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, re- bate on this issue will take place when offer an amendment, and under this claiming my time, I would say to my the bill comes up. Right now the issue rule we would be allowed to offer an colleagues in the Congress that this is is the rule. amendment, that would restrict this exactly the issue. The issue here is I respect the gentleman’s arguments, compact to only these three States? simply one we call back home greed. but I would point out, let us focus back Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Texas decided they would get a whole on the rule. It is an open rule. There is Speaker, I would say to the gentleman bunch of money from a couple of States no reason anyone in here should object that that was the intent when we voted if they would take their waste and to the rule because it will allow the for it in the State of Texas in the legis- dump it. And, of course, everybody kind of healthy debate we have just lature; and as a Member of Congress, I says, well, these will just be these seen. would agree to that. three States. Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the I am glad my colleague brought this The minute I suggest we make sure it gentleman yield? up. If that would get my colleague is only these three States, everybody Mr. MCINNIS. I yield to the gen- from El Paso on board, I would be more goes, oh no. We just heard my col- tleman from Texas. than happy to support that amendment league from Texas a minute ago, just Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank that would limit it to only those three now, say, oh, no, we sure would not the gentleman for highlighting that. In States. want to do that. After all, Texas could fact, it was my intention to come here Mr. COLEMAN. Well, Mr. Speaker, get more money for this. and only to speak on behalf of the rule. maybe I should ask this question. So what if it is out in west Texas, in Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. I gave a poor little old town called Sierra I think the rule is fair and it gives us the gentleman the right answer, did I Blanca; right? It is not in his backyard. an opportunity to offer the very not? Not in my colleague’s backyard, Mr. amendments that I was speaking about. But I came up here and all of a Mr. COLEMAN. It was a good answer. GENE GREEN’S backyard, in Houston, As I understand the compact, how- TX, or up near Dallas. No, it is just out sudden I heard one of my colleagues ever, I wonder whether or not this Con- in west Texas. So who cares, other than from Maine tell us what a great bill gress would be willing to restrict those those 900 people that live in that coun- this was. commissioners in any vote they might ty. Who cares? Maybe we can make it a good bill, if subsequently take to allow other Well, I will tell my colleagues what. we are allowed to amend it and we get States to join the compact? Can we do Putting it in an unsafe place, which the support we had last time of a ma- that in this legislation; is that the gen- they are doing, they are putting it near jority of this Congress to permit us to tleman’s understanding? the epicenter of an earthquake that oc- do that. I thank the gentleman for Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Again, I curred just last April, 5.6 on the Rich- pointing it out and giving me the op- do not know. I would think the rule ter scale, and everybody says we do not portunity to say I, too, am in support would allow that amendment to be con- care. Heck, I am in Dallas, or I am in of the rule. sidered, but the State legislature and Houston. We do not care, it is out in Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, reclaim- the State of Texas would be the one west Texas. Who cares. ing my time, the gentleman will have that would actually vote on that. The point is, we are finally going to that opportunity to amend, and I cer- Again, I do not have any fear about the get to the truth of the matter, and the tainly appreciate where the gentleman December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15249 comes from and his purpose in afford- The compact limits Vermont and to manage their low-level radioactive waste in ing that debate, but I do want to re- Maine to 20 percent of the total vol- compliance with Federal environmental law mind all of us that we will have a lot ume. It is a question of medical radio- and regulations. more time for debate, so I think we active waste that is a prime concern should try to wrap this rule up. for all of us in the State of Texas, and b 1345 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of particularly, as I said earlier, the ques- my time. tion dealing with the site selection Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I should be carefully reviewed. I think it yield such time as he may consume to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman is important that we realize that there the gentleman from Texas [Mr. BRY- from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE]. will be no site selection in Texas with- ANT]. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked out full public hearings. In that in- (Mr. BRYANT of Texas asked and and was given permission to revise and stance, all of those communities that was given permission to revise and ex- extend her remarks.) may ultimately be impacted will have tend his remarks.) Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. the complete access to those public Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Speaker, I thank the gentleman very hearings. the commissioners should be first with regard to those Members much and I rise to make several brief sensitive to this. from Texas and those who are con- points because I support both the rule I would ask my colleagues to make cerned about this issue from Texas, in and the bill. this truly a bipartisan piece of legisla- the dialog with the gentleman from I think it is important to focus our tion, for it is for the safety of all of us, Texas [Mr. BARTON] a moment ago I attention where it should be focused, and it certainly is for the safety of think for the first time we saw what and that is, one, this is an environ- those of us who are concerned about really is going to happen if this thing mentally driven bill. This is a question how we eliminate, and safely and envi- passes. And maybe nobody else should of what to do do with low-level radio- ronmentally secure low-level radio- care, but if Members are from Texas, active waste, something that raises active waste. they ought to care. enough question for many of us. When- Mr. SPEAKER, I rise today in support of Mr. Speaker, what it means is that ever we hear of nuclear reactors or ra- H.R. 558, the Texas-Maine-Vermont low-level this commission is going to be able to dioactive waste we are concerned. radioactive waste compact. This bill has re- accept nuclear waste from every State I am concerned about the research ceived considerable attention since it concerns of the Union. It is, in my view, very re- and the medical services done at the the issue of States' rights, the issue of protect- grettable. Texas Medical Center and the inability ing the environment and the rights of citizens We are going to offer an amendment of that facility, that brings about good to determine the quality of life in their commu- to say that it is limited to the two health and saves lives, to be able to nities. States involved, Vermont and Maine. I find a safe and environmentally pro- Since the 1985 amendments to the Low- see no way to justify doing otherwise. tected area to eliminate low-level ra- Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, the 50 The bill has been lobbied to Members dioactive waste. States have been responsible for managing of Congress from my region to say that The other point is that this is a bi- their low-level radioactive waste program be- it just involved the two States. The partisan effort. The Governor of Texas, cause the Federal Government recognized fact of the matter is that it does not. If Anne Richards, supported this, as well that States are better suited to implement it did, I think no one would mind if we as the present Governor. such policies due to their close attention to offered an amendment that said this Lastly, let me say that this is not a local concerns. would be a compact between the three matter that is a question of sites, or There are already nine State compacts in States. one site that has already been selected. existence representing agreements among 42 Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think there should be reasonable dis- States. Congress passed the bills approving will the gentleman yield? cussion and a fair discussion that no those compacts under the Suspension Cal- Mr. BRYANT of Texas. I yield to the poor area, no poor neighborhood should ender. The House Commerce Subcommittee gentleman from Texas. be biasly selected as the site for this. on Energy and Power unanimously passed Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, The commissioners should take into H.R. 558. The full committee passed the bill I appreciate my good friend for yield- consideration the very safest of loca- by a vote of 41 to 2. ing to me. tions being driven by the environ- The Governors of Texas, Maine, and Ver- Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that mental aspects of what we are trying mont strongly support this legislation. The there are 9 compacts that cover 41 to do here. State Legislatures in Texas, Maine, and Ver- States. My understanding of the Fed- I think it is particularly important mont have approved the compact. The major- eral law is that if 1 of those 41 States to instruct the States to work these ar- ity of the Texas congressional delegation sup- want to get out of their existing com- rangements with the requirement that ports this bill. pact and come into this compact which safety and the environment be crucial Contrary to popular belief, a specific dis- has not yet been approved, that that issues to be addressed. In fact, no posal site has not yet been designated. The would take congressional approval. I State, I hope, would want to jeopardize appropriate agencies in Texas have been con- could be proven wrong on that, but it is communities with a site that would sidering various sites. It will be located in a fact that there are 41 States that are not be environmentally safe, focusing Texas, however, since Texas would have the in these types of compacts. on the question that there is low-level vast majority of the low-level radioactive Mr. Speaker, I have not received any radioactive waste, we must do some- waste. The compact limits Vermont and Maine information in my office from the Gov- thing with it, but it must be safely to 20 percent of the total volume. The Texas ernor’s office, or anybody in the Texas done. medical center is without available alternative. Legislature, that they are trying to en- H.R. 558 provides an open rule. I No site will be selected without public hear- large the compact. think that is extremely positive. I hope ings that give concerned citizens the oppor- Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we can draw on more bipartisan discus- tunity to express their views on the location of reclaiming my time, if that is the case, sion to make this the best bill, because the facility. Environmental agencies will con- then surely the gentleman will support this is something that should not have duct the appropriate review and resolve envi- us in our amendment that will say this the tensions of disagreement when we ronmental concerns in accordance with current compact will be limited to Texas, all realize that this is a national prob- law and regulations. No radioactive waste Maine, and Vermont. Would the gen- lem that is impacting our States across from States other than Texas, Maine, and Ver- tleman support us in that amendment? the country. If there is a question of mont would be stored at the facility. The future Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, other States being involved, I think facility must meet Federal regulatory stand- if the gentleman would continue to hard questions should be asked, but ards developed by the Nuclear Regulatory yield, on a personal level I do not have this particular Texas, Maine, Vermont Commission relating to safety in the construc- a problem with that. low-level radioactive waste compact tion and operation of the facility. Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, has reasonably been reviewed by the I urge my colleagues to support this bill, I mean on the big board when we vote. respective Governors, as I said, both which approves this compact among Texas, Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Democratic and Republican alike. Maine, and Vermont and permits those states if the gentleman would continue to H 15250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 yield, my problem with that particular not only for the people of Texas, but all to the gentleman that it is not possible amendment, if offered by the gen- the people of the United States who to imagine that it does not bother this tleman from Dallas, TX [Mr. BRYANT] would have to help pay this liability. Member, or any ranking member some- and the gentleman from El Paso, TX Mr. Speaker, the fact that we have it what, that the decision has been made [Mr. COLEMAN], is that the underlying in an earthquake zone is preposterous. to locate this in a seismically active law that gives the Congress the right In effect, the legislature and other zone. to approve or disapprove the compact, parts of the Texas State Government Now, recognizing that, and the na- gives the States the right to negotiate decided to put it in a place that has no tional implications of that since it is the compact, and we would be stepping political power, hardly any people, on the Rio Grande River, an inter- into the State area. rather than putting it in a place that national border with Mexico, would not Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, has people and political power, and the gentleman agree that we ought to reclaiming my time, it is just a plain they did so regardless of the illogical at least amend the bill to say that it and simple concept. If the gentleman nature of their decision. cannot be put in an obviously irrespon- wants the entire United States to be Mr. Speaker, we will oppose it and sible place just so that local legislators able to dump nuclear waste in our will offer an amendment to provide can avoid the inconvenience of making State under approval from this com- that if this is approved, that this can- the tough decision? mission, then he would vote against not be located in a seismically active Would the gentleman not see the our amendment. If the gentleman be- area and an amendment that it will be logic in at least saying this is unique lieves we ought to limit it to just the limited to the three States mentioned, with regard to this compact, We are two States, and I cannot imagine why Texas, Maine, and Vermont. Mr. not going to let you locate it there, but he would not want to do that, why Speaker, I hope when we do, Members you will have to locate it some place would the gentleman not vote for the will support us on those amendments. else? amendment and let us make this thing The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, reclaim- do what everybody has promised that tleman from California [Mr. BEILEN- ing my time, as the gentleman knows, it would do? SON] has 6 minutes remaining. I did not support any amendments like Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I that in the subcommittee and I would if the gentleman would continue to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from not support it on the floor. Again, be- yield, does the gentleman have infor- New Jersey [Mr. PALLONE]. cause my understanding is that this mation that leads him to believe that Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I also has been looked into and that those on these other 41 States are going to get rise in support of the rule. I wanted to the State level that looked into it took out of their existing compacts and really point out that this legislation that into consideration. want to come into this particular com- did come out of our Subcommittee on That is not to in any way to preju- pact? Energy and Power on a bipartisan dice the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, basis. I do support it as the ranking BRYANT], obviously, from bringing that again reclaiming my time, in the first member. up and arguing it. But my position is place there are 50 States, so there are Obviously, this is an open rule, as has that the States and the legislatures 9 unaccounted for that would obviously been mentioned, and there is no reason that looked at this looked into those be interested, No. 1. why Members cannot bring up any sub- problems and, therefore, made that de- First, I cannot predict the future, but stantive amendment that they would cision to support it. I do know this, no matter what the sit- like. Obviously, some of the amend- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the uation might be, I do not want them to ments will be brought up. gentleman yield? come and dump their nuclear waste in Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to men- Mr. PALLONE. I yield to the gen- Texas. So the amendment will simply tion, as I think has been brought out, tleman from Texas. say that, and I would hope to have the that this is the 10th compact to receive Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I think gentleman’s support of that amend- congressional approval. Basically, the the reason the gentleman from Texas ment. compact system envisions that low- asked the question is simply because it Second, I would call the Members of level radioactive waste policy is devel- will be taxpayers in New Jersey and the House to look at this from a na- oped with the strong support of the Na- Kansas and California and New York tional perspective. We do not wish to tional Governors’ Association, and that will be participating in the clean- avoid responsibility under the law to under the law the task of selecting the up of an accident when it occurs. It is deal with this problem of siting a nu- disposal sites is the States’ responsibil- not going to just be Texas, Maine, or clear waste depository. But from the ities. So, the subcommittee, in report- Vermont. standpoint of the national interest, ing out the bill, was cognizant of the I hope that the gentleman and my this is not a small matter. fact that the States involved in the colleagues understand that, that it will The site that has been chosen is one compact do support it. be the responsibility of all of us, be- that is on an international border, very Traditionally, Congress’ responsibil- cause it is an international river and close to the Rio Grande River in an ity is to simply act quickly on the an international boundary that belongs area that is a volatile earthquake zone. compacts’ request by the respective to the United States as well as to Mex- This area experienced an earthquake States and if all is in order, to approve ico. scoring 5.6 on the Richter scale on it promptly. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, reclaim- April 13 of this year. The epicenter was Mr. Speaker, I do not really relish ing my time, I would just say that I see less than 100 miles away and the quake getting involved in a Texas battle here. no reason why that should not be was felt by individuals several hun- I guess I learned a long time ago not to brought up on the floor and discussed, dreds of miles away. do that, and I think I am about to be. but again I would say that these issues Mr. Speaker, numerous earthquakes One of the Texas Members already sug- were brought up in the subcommittee have occurred in this area. The largest gested to me that perhaps they could and our opinion was that they were de- was 6.4 in 1931, with its epicenter only bring up an amendment moving the cided on the State level and that we 40 miles from the site, and the U.S. Ge- site to New Jersey. I hope that does not should respect that. ological Survey has concluded that happen. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield quakes of 7.5 in magnitude could occur Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, such time as he may consume to the at any time along 14 faults in the im- will the gentleman yield? gentleman from Texas [Mr. FIELDS]. mediate vicinity. Mr. PALLONE. I yield to the gen- (Mr. FIELDS of Texas asked and was Mr. Speaker, it is not in the national tleman from Texas. given permission to revise and extend interest to ratify this knowing that the Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, his remarks.) State of Texas plans to locate this in I am not going to propose that. I think Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this place. If it were to pollute the Rio the gentleman from New Jersey has first of all, let me apologize to my col- Grande River, we would have an enor- been constructive in his effort to deal leagues. We were trying to wrap up our mous problem with Mexico; a problem with this issue. But I would point out telecommunications conference, and so December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15251 I could not get here as quickly as I Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I again, cause fissures in the storage would have liked. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from sites and consequently contaminate Mr. Speaker, this is an extremely im- Texas [Mr. DOGGETT]. the underground deposits of water that portant piece of legislation for the Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, the con- feed the sister cities of El Paso and State of Texas and the other two cern in many parts of Texas about this Juarez. States involved. It is important be- bill is that after it passes, it will not This is not a matter for short-term cause it involves the issue of waste and just be poor old Rudolf whose nose is decision. It will affect generations and there has been a decision by three all aglow. There are many Texans who generations to come. State legislatures on what to do in this are not eager to have our State change The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. particular compact, as the States are its name from the Lone Star State to UPTON). The gentleman from Colorado allowed in the underlying Federal stat- the Lone Dump State. ute. The process has been pristine in It has become very apparent in the [Mr. MCINNIS] has 15 minutes remain- terms of meeting what is allowed under course of the debate thus far that that ing. the statute. is exactly what is going to happen, be- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I think it is very impor- cause the sponsors of this measure are myself such time as I may consume. tant for my colleagues to understand unwilling to limit it to the three What is the rule doing down here? I that the site that has been chosen by States of Texas, Vermont and Maine. would once again remind my col- the State of Texas will be used as a They envision a vehicle here where an leagues it is down here because we waste site regardless of what the House unelected commission will be able to passed it by unanimous consent on a of Representatives does. That decision expand this compact to include an un- voice vote. It is an open rule. We has been made. That is where waste limited number of States. should not have this kind of debate on generated in the State of Texas will be Mr. Speaker, I think that there is this rule, which is what everybody has disposed. some question as to why we are here an opportunity to amend. Mr. Speaker, the advantage of our today debating this rule in the first Let me go back just a second. I would State entering into a compact with place. It has only been about 3 months other States is basically we put a lock ask the gentleman from Texas to re- since this House overwhelmingly re- spond to a question, and I will yield to on what waste our State at any point jected this compact and all the prob- in the future would have to accept. the gentleman for that response, and it lems that it poses. The only thing that That is why it is so important that the is, does he support the open rule? That has changed between the time that this State has made the decision, entered is, I think, the crux of what we are ar- House rejected this compact and now is into the compact and made the iron- guing here. that we have had more lobbyists clad decision that that site is going to Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman swarming around this Capitol than we be used, whether this compact passes from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT]. will find gnats on the banks of the Col- or not. orado River on a June morning. They Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I sup- Mr. Speaker, I would just ask my ported the rejection of this whole friends and my colleagues to look at have been working overtime to set up a compact that can be expanded to make measure by the House last time, and I this not only in terms of process, proc- guess we will have another opportunity ess that has been met both in the State Texas the Lone Dump State. There have also been developments to do the same thing. I think the open legislatures and in regard to the Fed- rule is a good one, if we are going to eral statute, but also in terms of this since that time in our neighboring partner with reference to environ- consider this, but it should not be here being a final decision. The only thing at all. the House would do, if they overturned mental issues throughout the South- west, and that is the country of Mex- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield this particular decision, is set a very such time as he may consume to the bad precedent for other States wishing ico. It was earlier in 1995 that the Gov- gentleman from Texas [Mr. FIELDS]. to enter into similar compacts. If this ernor of the neighboring State of where decision by the three States is over- this site will be located wrote to the Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I turned, it is the first time that States Governor of the State of Texas to ex- want to emphasize one point, that with having made a decision will have that press his great concern over the news the approval of this compact, there will decision contradicted by an action of that there would be the construction of be 10 compacts covering 45 States. It the House, and I think that is tragic. what the Governor quite properly re- was the decision of our State legisla- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the ferred to as a nuclear cemetery in Si- ture to enter a compact with Maine gentleman yield? erra Blanca, TX. and Vermont. In my view and obvi- Mr. FIELDS of Texas. I yield to the Mr. Speaker, he went on to say the ously the view of the legislature and gentleman from Texas. confinement of radioactive material in our State leadership, it is much pre- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would that place endangers the health of the ferred if Texas is already designated a only hope that the gentleman under- population due to the possible emis- site. Again I want people to understand stands that there is a distinction with sions of radioactivity into the air, soil, the site is going to be where the legis- a difference. Just because the Texas and water. lature has decided, whether this House House and the Texas Senate made a de- b 1400 acts or not. cision to place a dumpsite near an Of course, that letter was sent a cou- Is it better for us to have a partner international boundary, I do not hap- like Maine and Vermont or should we pen to think should obligate taxpayers ple of earthquakes ago with reference to this site. Just within the past few be subject to anyone’s waste? Should from the rest of the country to have to we be subject to the waste of California be involved in the cleanup. I see that as days, the Commission on Ecology and Environment of the Mexican House of or New York or Illinois or some other a huge difference. larger State? We have had a concerted Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Delegates has also expressed its con- cern saying, and I quote, that this low effort to obfuscate what is the real reclaiming my time, when we get into issue here. The real issue is whether we the debate on this particular issue, we level waste contains dangerous con- centrations of radioactivity that are are going to stand with the decision will talk about the specifics of what made by three legislatures on a deci- the State of Texas has done in con- contaminated with plutonium, a mate- rial that has a radioactive life of 240,000 sion that solely should be within the structing this particular facility. The province of those State legislatures, as safeguards that have been built in to years. The latent danger for our popu- long as it meets the Federal statute, meet any possible contingency are lation is represented by the fact that which they have. more than adequate. the land indicated by the State of The State has gone far beyond what Texas for the project is over a geologi- Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I science and engineering would nec- cal fault known as the Apache Fault, yield the balance of my time to the essarily dictate. To think that there is the largest one in the State of Texas. gentleman from Vermont [Mr. SAND- going to be some sort of disaster that There have been movements there that ERS]. is going to burden the rest of the coun- have registered an intensity of 5.3 on Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, let me try I think goes beyond reason. the Richter scale which, if they occur just first of all say that I am in strong H 15252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 agreement with the rule. It is an open was really only one legislature, not H.R. 558 is a compact between Texas, rule and will allow for a substantive three; we cannot speak for Maine, but Maine and Vermont. That has been debate. obviously just one. said over and over again. It was the Let me recapitulate some of the Mr. SANDERS. Reclaiming my time, subject of many legislative hearings, main points that are involved in this Mr. Speaker, there is no secret that the how many I really do not know, floor legislation. No. 1, we hear a lot of dis- depository is going to be in Texas. debate, negotiations by the Governors cussion on the floor of this House That is a decision for the people of of these States, including the State- about local control and respecting the Texas. wide referendum. All of these actions rights of the people back home. This Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 were taken because we here in Con- legislation was discussed intensively in minutes to the gentleman from Texas gress directed the States to do this by three different State legislatures. The [Mr. FIELDS]. legislation action passed in 1980 and Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, people of Texas through their legisla- 1985. ture approved this compact. The people just to amplify on what my good friend of Maine did the same. The people of just said, and he may want to retake The States have complied with their Vermont also approved this compact. the mike. Under the compact, Texas directive, and I think we ought to I should point out the Governor of has full control of the site, the develop- honor there good-faith efforts by vote Texas is a Republican; the Governor of ment, the operation and management to go ratify this compact. I urge Mem- Vermont is a Democrat and, as it hap- and the closure of the low-level waste bers to vote for H.R. 558. pens, the Governor of Maine is an Inde- disposal facility. It really would not Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the pendent. matter for his State to come and re- gentleman yield? Second, as has already been stated, view where Texans decided to put a there are nine compacts that have al- particular site, whether the House Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield to the ready been approved by the Congress, passes this or not. We will dispose of gentleman from Texas. impacting 42 States. This will be the our waste at that particular site. If we Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I guess 10th compact. I think from a precedent do not pass this compact, we are going the only thing that question about point of view, it is important for this to be subject to the entire country’s what the gentleman says that we are Congress to pass this compact. waste coming to hat particular site. going to have hearings next year. That Third, what has also, I think, not Also the gentleman raised a question is after the site has already been se- been made clear is this Congress is not about the procedure in Texas. Let me lected. So it does not do us a lot of designating a specific disposal site. just point out, our house of representa- good out there. That is not what we are doing. Presum- tives passed the site decision and the I will say I am proud of those two ably, the people of Texas have a proc- compact by a voice vote, voice vote in Senators since the country that is con- ess to determine what is in the best in- the Texas House of Representatives. cerned here, called Hudspeth County, terest of their own people. Frankly, I The Texas Senate passed this by a vote TX does not have a State Senator from would hope and expect that the people of 26 to 2. The legislature wants this of Texas would not do anything that is particular compact as does our Gov- that county. The one Senator that rep- environmentally dangerous to the peo- ernor. It is important, if one is con- resents that area may or may not have ple of their region. We in Congress are cerned about the environment and they voted no, and certainly we only had not making that decision. The people are a Texan, they should want this par- one representative, again not from that of Texas are making that decision, and ticular compact. county. So I am not surprised by the I hope that we could respect that proc- I thank the gentleman for yielding vote in Texas. It is that county does ess. time to me. not have a lot of population, and it is I would simply suggest that from a Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 out in the desert, and I understand the precedent point of view, from respect minutes to the gentleman from Texas gentleman’s saying that, well, Texas for local control, we should support [Mr. HALL]. has made the decision. All I would hope this rule and we should eventually sup- (Mr. HALL of Texas asked and was is that we try to not feel that we have port the bill. given permission to revise and extend to rubber-stamp an act that was a mis- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the his remark.) take. I do not think the Congress ought gentleman yield? Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I to be called on to do that. would like to point out that a lot of Mr. SANDERS. I yield to the gen- Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 statements that have been made here tleman from Texas. seconds to the gentleman from Califor- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, since have very little to do actually with nia [Mr. BEILENSON] from the Commit- H.R. 558. These statements I think go the gentleman is a member from Ver- tee on Rules. mont, maybe he could give us some toward and should go toward the pro- idea. I heard my colleague from Hous- posed low level site and will be the sub- Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask ton, TX a minute ago suggest that it ject of a lengthy and detailed permit unanimous consent to insert extra- has been reviewed by three different review process that the Texas Natural neous material at this point in the State legislatures. Did the legislature Resources and Conservation Commis- RECORD. of Vermont get to hold hearings on the sion is to conduct in Texas this coming The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there siting of the facility in west Texas? year. It is there I think that the state- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, I be- ments that have been made here re- tleman from California? lieve that is left to the people of Texas. garding the site should be expressed Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, if the and probably not on the floor of this There was no objection. gentleman will continue to yield, so it House. The material referred to is as follows: FLOOR PROCEDURE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS; COMPILED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS
Amendments Bill No. Title Resolution No. Process used for floor consideration in order
H.R. 1* ...... Compliance ...... H. Res. 6 Closed ...... None. H. Res. 6 ...... Opening Day Rules Package ...... H. Res. 5 Closed; contained a closed rule on H.R. 1 within the closed rule ...... None. H.R. 5* ...... Unfunded Mandates ...... H. Res. 38 Restrictive; Motion adopted over Democratic objection in the Committee of the Whole to N/A. limit debate on section 4; Pre-printing gets preference. H.J. Res. 2* ...... Balanced Budget ...... H. Res. 44 Restrictive; only certain substitutes ...... 2R; 4D. H. Res. 43 ...... Committee Hearings Scheduling ...... H. Res. 43 (OJ) Restrictive; considered in House no amendments ...... N/A. H.R. 2* ...... Line Item Veto ...... H. Res. 55 Open; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 665* ...... Victim Restitution Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 61 Open; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 666* ...... Exclusionary Rule Reform Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 60 Open; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 667* ...... Violent Criminal Incarceration Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 63 Restrictive; 10 hr. Time Cap on amendments ...... N/A. H.R. 668* ...... The Criminal Alien Deportation Improvement Act ...... H. Res. 69 Open; Pre-printing gets preference; Contains self-executing provision ...... N/A. H.R. 728* ...... Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants ...... H. Res. 79 Restrictive; 10 hr. Time Cap on amendments; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 7* ...... National Security Revitalization Act ...... H. Res. 83 Restrictive; 10 hr. Time Cap on amendments; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 729* ...... Death Penalty/Habeas ...... N/A Restrictive; brought up under UC with a 6 hr. time cap on amendments ...... N/A. S. 2 ...... Senate Compliance ...... N/A Closed; Put on Suspension Calendar over Democratic objection ...... None. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15253 FLOOR PROCEDURE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS; COMPILED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS—Continued
Amendments Bill No. Title Resolution No. Process used for floor consideration in order
H.R. 831 ...... To Permanently Extend the Health Insurance Deduction for the Self- H. Res. 88 Restrictive; makes in order only the Gibbons amendment; Waives all points of order; Con- 1D. Employed. tains self-executing provision. H.R. 830* ...... The Paperwork Reduction Act ...... H. Res. 91 Open ...... N/A. H.R. 889 ...... Emergency Supplemental/Rescinding Certain Budget Authority ...... H. Res. 92 Restrictive; makes in order only the Obey substitute ...... 1D. H.R. 450* ...... Regulatory Moratorium ...... H. Res. 93 Restrictive; 10 hr. Time Cap on amendments; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 1022* ...... Risk Assessment ...... H. Res. 96 Restrictive; 10 hr. Time Cap on amendments ...... N/A. H.R. 926* ...... Regulatory Flexibility ...... H. Res. 100 Open ...... N/A. H.R. 925* ...... Private Property Protection Act ...... H. Res. 101 Restrictive; 12 hr. time cap on amendments; Requires Members to pre-print their amend- 1D. ments in the Record prior to the bill’s consideration for amendment, waives germaneness and budget act points of order as well as points of order concerning appropriating on a legislative bill against the committee substitute used as base text. H.R. 1058* ...... Securities Litigation Reform Act ...... H. Res. 105 Restrictive; 8 hr. time cap on amendments; Pre-printing gets preference; Makes in order the 1D. Wyden amendment and waives germaneness against it. H.R. 988* ...... The Attorney Accountability Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 104 Restrictive; 7 hr. time cap on amendments; Pre-printing gets preference ...... N/A. H.R. 956* ...... Product Liability and Legal Reform Act ...... H. Res. 109 Restrictive; makes in order only 15 germane amendments and denies 64 germane amend- 8D; 7R. ments from being considered. H.R. 1158 ...... Making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions ...... H. Res. 115 Restrictive; Combines emergency H.R. 1158 & nonemergency 1159 and strikes the abortion N/A. provision; makes in order only pre-printed amendments that include offsets within the same chapter (deeper cuts in programs already cut); waives points of order against three amendments; waives cl 2 of rule XXI against the bill, cl 2, XXI and cl 7 of rule XVI against the substitute; waives cl 2(e) od rule XXI against the amendments in the Record; 10 hr time cap on amendments. 30 minutes debate on each amendment. H.J. Res. 73* ...... Term Limits ...... H. Res. 116 Restrictive; Makes in order only 4 amendments considered under a ‘‘Queen of the Hill’’ pro- 1D; 3R cedure and denies 21 germane amendments from being considered. H.R. 4* ...... Welfare Reform ...... H. Res. 119 Restrictive; Makes in order only 31 perfecting amendments and two substitutes; Denies 130 5D; 26R. germane amendments from being considered; The substitutes are to be considered under a ‘‘Queen of the Hill’’ procedure; All points of order are waived against the amendments. H.R. 1271* ...... Family Privacy Act ...... H. Res. 125 Open ...... N/A. H.R. 660* ...... Housing for Older Persons Act ...... H. Res. 126 Open ...... N/A. H.R. 1215* ...... The Contract With America Tax Relief Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 129 Restrictive; Self Executes language that makes tax cuts contingent on the adoption of a 1D. balanced budget plan and strikes section 3006. Makes in order only one substitute. Waives all points of order against the bill, substitute made in order as original text and Gephardt substitute. H.R. 483 ...... Medicare Select Extension ...... H. Res. 130 Restrictive; waives cl 2(1)(6) of rule XI against the bill; makes H.R. 1391 in order as origi- 1D. nal text; makes in order only the Dingell substitute; allows Commerce Committee to file a report on the bill at any time. H.R. 655 ...... Hydrogen Future Act ...... H. Res. 136 Open ...... N/A. H.R. 1361 ...... Coast Guard Authorization ...... H. Res. 139 Open; waives sections 302(f) and 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act against the bill’s N/A. consideration and the committee substitute; waives cl 5(a) of rule XXI against the com- mittee substitute. H.R. 961 ...... Clean Water Act ...... H. Res. 140 Open; pre-printing gets preference; waives sections 302(f) and 602(b) of the Budget Act N/A. against the bill’s consideration; waives cl 7 of rule XVI, cl 5(a) of rule XXI and section 302(f) of the Budget Act against the committee substitute. Makes in order Shuster sub- stitute as first order of business. H.R. 535 ...... Corning National Fish Hatchery Conveyance Act ...... H. Res. 144 Open ...... N/A. H.R. 584 ...... Conveyance of the Fairport National Fish Hatchery to the State of H. Res. 145 Open ...... N/A. Iowa. H.R. 614 ...... Conveyance of the New London National Fish Hatchery Production Fa- H. Res. 146 Open ...... N/A. cility. H. Con. Res. 67 ...... Budget Resolution ...... H. Res. 149 Restrictive; Makes in order 4 substitutes under regular order; Gephardt, Neumann/Solomon, 3D; 1R. Payne/Owens, President’s Budget if printed in Record on 5/17/95; waives all points of order against substitutes and concurrent resolution; suspends application of Rule XLIX with respect to the resolution; self-executes Agriculture language. H.R. 1561 ...... American Overseas Interests Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 155 Restrictive; Requires amendments to be printed in the Record prior to their consideration; N/A. 10 hr. time cap; waives cl 2(1)(6) of rule XI against the bill’s consideration; Also waives sections 302(f), 303(a), 308(a) and 402(a) against the bill’s consideration and the com- mittee amendment in order as original text; waives cl 5(a) of rule XXI against the amendment; amendment consideration is closed at 2:30 p.m. on May 25, 1995. Self-exe- cutes provision which removes section 2210 from the bill. This was done at the request of the Budget Committee. H.R. 1530 ...... National Defense Authorization Act FY 1996 ...... H. Res. 164 Restrictive; Makes in order only the amendments printed in the report; waives all points of 36R; 18D; 2 order against the bill, substitute and amendments printed in the report. Gives the Chair- Bipartisan. man en bloc authority. Self-executes a provision which strikes section 807 of the bill; provides for an additional 30 min. of debate on Nunn-Lugar section; Allows Mr. Clinger to offer a modification of his amendment with the concurrence of Ms. Collins. H.R. 1817 ...... Military Construction Appropriations; FY 1996 ...... H. Res. 167 Open; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against the bill; 1 hr. general debate; Uses House N/A. passed budget numbers as threshold for spending amounts pending passage of Budget. H.R. 1854 ...... Legislative Branch Appropriations ...... H. Res. 169 Restrictive; Makes in order only 11 amendments; waives sections 302(f) and 308(a) of the 5R; 4D; 2 Budget Act against the bill and cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against the bill. All points of Bipartisan. order are waived against the amendments. H.R. 1868 ...... Foreign Operations Appropriations ...... H. Res. 170 Open; waives cl. 2, cl. 5(b), and cl. 6 of rule XXI against the bill; makes in order the Gil- N/A. man amendments as first order of business; waives all points of order against the amendments; if adopted they will be considered as original text; waives cl. 2 of rule XXI against the amendments printed in the report. Pre-printing gets priority (Hall) (Menendez) (Goss) (Smith, NJ). H.R. 1905 ...... Energy & Water Appropriations ...... H. Res. 171 Open; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against the bill; makes in order the Shuster N/A. amendment as the first order of business; waives all points of order against the amend- ment; if adopted it will be considered as original text. Pre-printing gets priority. H.J. Res. 79 ...... Constitutional Amendment to Permit Congress and States to Prohibit H. Res. 173 Closed; provides one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit with or without in- N/A. the Physical Desecration of the American Flag. structions; if there are instructions, the MO is debatable for 1 hr. H.R. 1944 ...... Recissions Bill ...... H. Res. 175 Restrictive; Provides for consideration of the bill in the House; Permits the Chairman of the N/A. Appropriations Committee to offer one amendment which is unamendable; waives all points of order against the amendment. H.R. 1868 (2nd rule) ...... Foreign Operations Appropriations ...... H. Res. 177 Restrictive; Provides for further consideration of the bill; makes in order only the four N/A. amendments printed in the rules report (20 min. each). Waives all points of order against the amendments; Prohibits intervening motions in the Committee of the Whole; Provides for an automatic rise and report following the disposition of the amendments. H.R. 1977 *Rule Defeated* Interior Appropriations ...... H. Res. 185 Open; waives sections 302(f) and 308(a) of the Budget Act and cl 2 and cl 6 of rule XXI; N/A. provides that the bill be read by title; waives all points of order against the Tauzin amendment; self-executes Budget Committee amendment; waives cl 2(e) of rule XXI against amendments to the bill; Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 1977 ...... Interior Appropriations ...... H.Res. 187 Open; waives sections 302(f), 306 and 308(a) of the Budget Act; waives clauses 2 and 6 of N/A. rule XXI against provisions in the bill; waives all points of order against the Tauzin amendment; provides that the bill be read by title; self-executes Budget Committee amendment and makes NEA funding subject to House passed authorization; waives cl 2(e) of rule XXI against the amendments to the bill; Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 1976 ...... Agriculture Appropriations ...... H. Res. 188 Open; waives clauses 2 and 6 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; provides that the N/A. bill be read by title; Makes Skeen amendment first order of business, if adopted the amendment will be considered as base text (10 min.); Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 1977 (3rd rule) ...... Interior Appropriations ...... H. Res. 189 Restrictive; provides for the further consideration of the bill; allows only amendments pre- N/A. printed before July 14th to be considered; limits motions to rise. H.R. 2020 ...... Treasury Postal Appropriations ...... H. Res. 190 Open; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; provides the bill be N/A. read by title; Pre-printing gets priority. H.J. Res. 96 ...... Disapproving MFN for China ...... H. Res. 193 Restrictive; provides for consideration in the House of H.R. 2058 (90 min.) And H.J. Res. 96 N/A. (1 hr). Waives certain provisions of the Trade Act. H.R. 2002 ...... Transportation Appropriations ...... H. Res. 194 Open; waives cl. 3 0f rule XIII and section 401 (a) of the CBA against consideration of the N/A. bill; waives cl. 6 and cl. 2 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; Makes in order the Clinger/Solomon amendment waives all points of order against the amendment (Line Item Veto); provides the bill be read by title; Pre-printing gets priority. *RULE AMENDED*. H.R. 70 ...... Exports of Alaskan North Slope Oil ...... H. Res. 197 Open; Makes in order the Resources Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute as N/A. original text; Pre-printing gets priority; Provides a Senate hook-up with S. 395. H 15254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 FLOOR PROCEDURE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS; COMPILED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS—Continued—Continued
Amendments Bill No. Title Resolution No. Process used for floor consideration in order
H.R. 2076 ...... Commerce, Justice Appropriations ...... H. Res. 198 Open; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; Pre-printing gets pri- N/A. ority; provides the bill be read by title.. H.R. 2099 ...... VA/HUD Appropriations ...... H. Res. 201 Open; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; Provides that the N/A. amendment in part 1 of the report is the first business, if adopted it will be considered as base text (30 min.); waives all points of order against the Klug and Davis amend- ments; Pre-printing gets priority; Provides that the bill be read by title. S. 21 ...... Termination of U.S. Arms Embargo on Bosnia ...... H. Res. 204 Restrictive; 3 hours of general debate; Makes in order an amendment to be offered by the ID. Minority Leader or a designee (1 hr); If motion to recommit has instructions it can only be offered by the Minority Leader or a designee. H.R. 2126 ...... Defense Appropriations ...... H. Res. 205 Open; waives cl. 2(l)(6) of rule XI and section 306 of the Congressional Budget Act against N/A. consideration of the bill; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; self-executes a strike of sections 8021 and 8024 of the bill as requested by the Budget Committee; Pre-printing gets priority; Provides the bill be read by title. H.R. 1555 ...... Communications Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 207 Restrictive; waives sec. 302(f) of the Budget Act against consideration of the bill; Makes in 2R/3D/3 Bi- order the Commerce Committee amendment as original text and waives sec. 302(f) of partisan. the Budget Act and cl. 5(a) of rule XXI against the amendment; Makes in order the Bliely amendment (30 min.) as the first order of business, if adopted it will be original text; makes in order only the amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against the amendments; provides a Senate hook-up with S. 652. H.R. 2127 ...... Labor/HHS Appropriations Act ...... H. Res. 208 Open; Provides that the first order of business will be the managers amendments (10 min.), N/A. if adopted they will be considered as base text; waives cl. 2 and cl. 6 of rule XXI against provisions in the bill; waives all points of order against certain amendments printed in the report; Pre-printing gets priority; Provides the bill be read by title. H.R. 1594 ...... Economically Targeted Investments ...... H. Res. 215 Open; 2 hr of gen. debate. makes in order the committee substitute as original text ...... N/A. H.R. 1655 ...... Intelligence Authorization ...... H. Res. 216 Restrictive; waives sections 302(f), 308(a) and 401(b) of the Budget Act. Makes in order N/A. the committee substitute as modified by Govt. Reform amend (striking sec. 505) and an amendment striking title VII. Cl 7 of rule XVI and cl 5(a) of rule XXI are waived against the substitute. Sections 302(f) and 401(b) of the CBA are also waived against the sub- stitute. Amendments must also be pre-printed in the Congressional record. H.R. 1162 ...... Deficit Reduction Lock Box ...... H. Res. 218 Open; waives cl 7 of rule XVI against the committee substitute made in order as original N/A. text; Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 1670 ...... Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 219 Open; waives sections 302(f) and 308(a) of the Budget Act against consideration of the N/A. bill; bill will be read by title; waives cl 5(a) of rule XXI and section 302(f) of the Budget Act against the committee substitute. Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 1617 ...... To Consolidate and Reform Workforce Development and Literacy Pro- H. Res. 222 Open; waives section 302(f) and 401(b) of the Budget Act against the substitute made in N/A. grams Act (CAREERS). order as original text (H.R. 2332), cl. 5(a) of rule XXI is also waived against the sub- stitute. provides for consideration of the managers amendment (10 min.) If adopted, it is considered as base text. H.R. 2274 ...... National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 224 Open; waives section 302(f) of the Budget Act against consideration of the bill; Makes H.R. N/A. 2349 in order as original text; waives section 302(f) of the Budget Act against the sub- stitute; provides for the consideration of a managers amendment (10 min.) If adopted, it is considered as base text; Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 927 ...... Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 225 Restrictive; waives cl 2(L)(2)(B) of rule XI against consideration of the bill; makes in order 2R/2D. H.R. 2347 as base text; waives cl 7 of rule XVI against the substitute; Makes Hamilton amendment the first amendment to be considered (1 hr). Makes in order only amend- ments printed in the report. H.R. 743 ...... The Teamwork for Employees and managers Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 226 Open; waives cl 2(l)(2)(b) of rule XI against consideration of the bill; makes in order the N/A. committee amendment as original text; Pre-printing get priority. H.R. 1170 ...... 3-Judge Court for Certain Injunctions ...... H. Res. 227 Open; makes in order a committee amendment as original text; Pre-printing gets priority .... N/A. H.R. 1601 ...... International Space Station Authorization Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 228 Open; makes in order a committee amendment as original text; pre-printing gets priority .... N/A. H.J. Res. 108 ...... Making Continuing Appropriations for FY 1996 ...... H. Res. 230 Closed; Provides for the immediate consideration of the CR; one motion to recommit which . may have instructions only if offered by the Minority Leader or a designee. H.R. 2405 ...... Omnibus Civilian Science Authorization Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 234 Open; self-executes a provision striking section 304(b)(3) of the bill (Commerce Committee N/A. request); Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 2259 ...... To Disapprove Certain Sentencing Guideline Amendments ...... H. Res. 237 Restrictive; waives cl 2(l)(2)(B) of rule XI against the bill’s consideration; makes in order 1D. the text of the Senate bill S. 1254 as original text; Makes in order only a Conyers sub- stitute; provides a senate hook-up after adoption. H.R. 2425 ...... Medicare Preservation Act ...... H. Res. 238 Restrictive; waives all points of order against the bill’s consideration; makes in order the 1D. text of H.R. 2485 as original text; waives all points of order against H.R. 2485; makes in order only an amendment offered by the Minority Leader or a designee; waives all points of order against the amendment; waives cl 5 of rule XXI (3⁄5 requirement on votes raising taxes). H.R. 2492 ...... Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill ...... H. Res. 239 Restrictive; provides for consideration of the bill in the House ...... N/A. H.R. 2491 ...... 7 Year Balanced Budget Reconciliation Social Security Earnings Test H. Res. 245 Restrictive; makes in order H.R. 2517 as original text; waives all pints of order against the 1D. H. Con. Res. 109 ...... Reform. bill; Makes in order only H.R. 2530 as an amendment only if offered by the Minority Leader or a designee; waives all points of order against the amendment; waives cl 5 of rule XXI (3⁄5 requirement on votes raising taxes). H.R. 1833 ...... Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 251 Closed ...... N/A. H.R. 2546 ...... D.C. Appropriations FY 1996 ...... H. Res. 252 Restrictive; waives all points of order against the bill’s consideration; Makes in order the N/A. Walsh amendment as the first order of business (10 min.); if adopted it is considered as base text; waives cl 2 and 6 of rule XXI against the bill; makes in order the Bonilla, Gunderson and Hostettler amendments (30 min.); waives all points of order against the amendments; debate on any further amendments is limited to 30 min. each. H.J. Res. 115 ...... Further Continuing Appropriations for FY 1996 ...... H. Res. 257 Closed; Provides for the immediate consideration of the CR; one motion to recommit which N/A. may have instructions only if offered by the Minority Leader or a designee. H.R. 2586 ...... Temporary Increase in the Statutory Debt Limit ...... H. Res. 258 Restrictive; Provides for the immediate consideration of the CR; one motion to recommit 5R. which may have instructions only if offered by the Minority Leader or a designee; self- executes 4 amendments in the rule; Solomon, Medicare Coverage of Certain Anti-Cancer Drug Treatments, Habeas Corpus Reform, Chrysler (MI); makes in order the Walker amend (40 min.) on regulatory reform. H.R. 2539 ...... ICC Termination ...... H. Res. 259 Open; waives section 302(f) and section 308(a) ...... H.J. Res. 115 ...... Further Continuing Appropriations for FY 1996 ...... H. Res. 261 Closed; provides for the immediate consideration of a motion by the Majority Leader or his N/A. designees to dispose of the Senate amendments (1hr). H.R. 2586 ...... Temporary Increase in the Statutory Limit on the Public Debt ...... H. Res. 262 Closed; provides for the immediate consideration of a motion by the Majority Leader or his N/A. designees to dispose of the Senate amendments (1hr). H. Res. 250 ...... House Gift Rule Reform ...... H. Res. 268 Closed; provides for consideration of the bill in the House; 30 min. of debate; makes in 2R. order the Burton amendment and the Gingrich en bloc amendment (30 min. each); waives all points of order against the amendments; Gingrich is only in order if Burton fails or is not offered. H.R. 2564 ...... Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 269 Open; waives cl. 2(l)(6) of rule XI against the bill’s consideration; waives all points of order N/A. against the Istook and McIntosh amendments. H.R. 2606 ...... Prohibition on Funds for Bosnia Deployment ...... H. Res. 273 Restrictive; waives all points of order against the bill’s consideration; provides one motion N/A. to amend if offered by the Minority Leader or designee (1 hr non-amendable); motion to recommit which may have instructions only if offered by Minority Leader or his designee; if Minority Leader motion is not offered debate time will be extended by 1 hr. H.R. 1788 ...... Amtrak Reform and Privatization Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 289 Open; waives all points of order against the bill’s consideration; makes in order the Trans- N/A. portation substitute modified by the amend in the report; Bill read by title; waives all points of order against the substitute; makes in order a managers amend as the first order of business, if adopted it is considered base text (10 min.); waives all points of order against the amendment; Pre-printing gets priority. H.R. 1350 ...... Maritime Security Act of 1995 ...... H. Res. 287 Open; makes in order the committee substitute as original text; makes in order a managers N/A. amendment which if adopted is considered as original text (20 min.) unamendable; pre- printing gets priority. H.R. 2621 ...... To Protect Federal Trust Funds ...... H. Res. Closed; provides for the adoption of the Ways & Means amendment printed in the report. 1 N/A. hr. of general debate. H.R. 1745 ...... Utah Public Lands Management Act of 1995 ...... H.Res. 303 Open; waives cl 2(l)(6) of rule XI and sections 302(f) and 311(a) of the Budget Act against N/A. the bill’s consideration. Makes in order the Resources substitute as base text and waives cl 7 of rule XVI and sections 302(f) and 308(a) of the Budget Act; makes in order a managers’ amend as the first order of business, if adopted it is considered base text (10 min).. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15255 FLOOR PROCEDURE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS; COMPILED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS—Continued—Continued—Continued
Amendments Bill No. Title Resolution No. Process used for floor consideration in order
H.Res. 304 ...... Providing for Debate and Consideration of Three Measures Relating N/A Closed; makes in order three resolutions; H.R. 2770 (Dorman), H.Res. 302 (Buyer), and 1D; 2R. to U.S. Troop Deployments in Bosnia. H.Res. 306 (Gephardt); 1 hour of debate on each.. H.Res. 309 ...... Revised Budget Resolution ...... H.Res. 309 Closed; provides 2 hours of general debate in the House...... N/A. H.R. 558 ...... Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Consent Act ... H.Res. 313 Open; pre-printing gets priority ...... N/A. * Contract Bills, 67% restrictive; 33% open. ** All legislation, 55% restrictive; 45% open. *** Restrictive rules are those which limit the number of amendments which can be offered, and include so called modified open and modified closed rules as well as completely closed rules and rules providing for consideration in the House as opposed to the Committee of the Whole. This definition of restrictive rule is taken from the Republican chart of resolutions reported from the Rules Committee in the 103rd Congress. **** Not included in this chart are three bills which should have been placed on the Suspension Calendar. H.R. 101, H.R. 400, H.R. 440.
Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 Committee on Rules on a unanimous Castro is paranoid, and he is cracking minute to the gentleman from Texas vote. It is an open rule. down on them, and in, for him tradi- [Mr. FIELDS]. Today we have heard some very good tional, but nevertheless unacceptable Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I debate. We have heard healthy debate. manner. was not able to yield just a moment There is going to be an opportunity if Dissidents of all ideological ten- ago to my friend. If he wants me to this rule passes, which I fully expect it dencies have joined together in this yield, I will, after I make the one state- to do on voice vote here on the House Cuban Council. So I think Castro has ment. Not only is Governor Bush, our floor, then all of this debate can be pre- reason to be worried. current Governor, endorsing this, but sented again at the proper time. In the last few weeks, Jose Martinez former Governor Ann Richards en- With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank my Puig, executive secretary of the dorses not only the process but the site colleague from the State of California, Proconstitutional Democracy Associa- that was selected. my colleague on the Committee on tion has been detained numerous times Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, will the Rules, and would urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on by Castro’s henchmen. gentleman yield? the rule. Castro’s henchmen have also har- Mr. FIELDS of Texas. I yield to the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance assed Felix Fleites Posada, president of gentleman from Texas. of my time, and I move the previous the Proconstitutional Democracy Asso- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want question on the resolution. ciation. to thank the gentleman. I understand The previous question was ordered. Agents of the dictatorship have in- the politics of doing what they did. The resolution was agreed to. What I have to tell the gentleman is, vaded the home of the well-known op- A motion to reconsider was laid on position leader Elizardo Sanchez Santa however, it is something I hope that we the table. will have during the course of the de- Cruz, obviously seeking to intimidate f bate. I hope to be able to show this him. House the geological findings concern- b 1415 Amado Gonzalez Paz and Lazaro Gar- ing not just this site but others that cia Torres have both been arrested and were far more suitable. But politically, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER their families’ physical safety has been both the Governors the gentleman just PRO TEMPORE threatened if they remained in Cuban cited, and politically the legislature The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Council. would refuse to site it where it was the UPTON). The Chair will begin special Recently, Nerys Goristoza Campo safest. I understand that. orders without prejudice to further leg- Alegre and Marta Ramirez Jerez, both Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Reclaiming my islative business. members of the Popular Democratic time, Mr. Speaker, let me ask the gen- f Alliance, were also arrested. Another tleman, is he glad this is an open rule? member of the Popular Democratic Al- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, abso- SPECIAL ORDERS liance, Maria de la Caridad Salazar Ra- lutely. As I told my colleagues on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under mirez was thrown in a prison cell with Committee on Rules, I intend to sup- the Speaker’s announced policy of May 14 common criminals. port this rule and hope it passes. 12, 1995, and under a previous order of Radamaes Alfaro Garcia was arrested Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I the House, the following Members will and told that he had to convince his appreciate the gentleman’s comment. be recognized for 5 minutes each. mother, Beatriz Garcia Alvarez, and Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 brother, Rinaldo Alfaro Garcia, to re- f minute to the gentleman from Maine sign from the Cuban Council. [Mr. LONGLEY]. PARTIAL LIST OF MOST RECENT Lazaro Miguel Rivero de Quesada was (Mr. LONGLEY asked and was given CASES OF INTIMIDATION AND arrested along with his mother, Dulce permission to revise and extend his re- ARRESTS BY THE CUBAN RE- Maria de Quesada. This is within re- marks.) GIME cent weeks, Mr. Speaker. Mr. LONGLEY. Mr. Speaker, this Sergio Aguiara Cruz was sentenced to process that we are debating today The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a 4 years in prison under the charge of stems from a 1985 Low Level Radio- previous order of the House, the gen- predelinquent dangerousness. Aguiara active Waste Disposal Policy Amend- tleman from Florida [Mr. DIAZ- is the president of the Union of Cubans ment Act. In full compliance with the BALART] is recognized for 5 minutes. for Liberty. procedures established under that stat- Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, the ute, the States of Maine, Vermont, and Cuban dictator just returned from a In Camaguey Province, well-known Texas entered into negotiations that trip to Asia. He was disappointed. The dissident Antonio Femenias were approved by citizens groups and Japanese gave him a credit of $100,000. Echemendia, has been continuously by legislative bodies and by executives I think he wanted a little bit more harassed by Castro’s state security for in each of the three States. than that. the last 5 weeks. This is a win/win situation for all He is in poor health. Things do not Also, in Camaguey, Alberto Hernan- three States. In particular, the State of seem to be going right for him. But dez Frometa, from the group Man’s Texas is going to benefit to the extent nevertheless that does not keep him Human Rights, was arrested. of $50 million that will be contributed from engaging in his traditional repres- The regime has consistently sought by the States of Maine and Vermont. I sion. to intimidate Marcelino Soto, Jose think it is a positive for all three par- Castro has initiated a new campaign Nieves Arrieta and Bernardo Fuentes ties involved. of terror and aggression against all of Cambior on a regular basis for their ac- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield his internal opposition and his hench- tivities on behalf of human rights. myself such time as I may consume. men have been attacking the members The list goes on, Mr. Speaker. This is Mr. Speaker, as we wrap up the de- of a new group that has formed that just the tip of the iceberg. Some dis- bate here, I would just want to remind has brought together over 130 of the op- sidents issued a statement in support my colleagues that the issue in front of position groups within the island. It is of the conference that was held in us is the rule. The rule came out of the Concilio Cubano, Cuban Council. So Beijing, the World Conference on H 15256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 Women, and Ileana Somellan the vast majority of them would like the top of the economic ladder, who Fernandez, her home was ransacked by to be at work doing their job for Amer- have benefited from America. state security on August 25 for doing ica, dealing on issues with Cuba and We have heard that we have had that. Also, September 1 and September dealing with issues even closer to nothing but horrors in this country for 2, several members of the group called home. the last six decades, to hear the major- Mothers for Solidarity were arrested. But our Republican colleagues have ity leader speak the other day. Well, Marta Maria Vega Cabrera was sum- decided to shut down the Government some people have done rather well in moned to appear at headquarters of and to pay our Federal worker not to America during those six decades of state security in Havana, where she work. evil. They prospered. They have be- was interrogated, also, for a statement I guess perhaps all of this is designed come millionaires and billionaires, and she made to an international journal- to focus national attention on the now the Republicans would reward ist. whole concept of a Republican Christ- them with huge tax breaks, tax breaks On September 2, state security mas. You know, the Republican Christ- that will drive the deficit up next year, agents visited Mercedes Paradas mas, it is probably just like the Christ- that will cause it to explode in the year Antunez, where she was accused along mas that you celebrate in your home- 2002, in the last part of this decade, and with Aida Rosa Jimenez, of ‘‘planning town. The only difference is that the all of that is going to be paid by the a protest march’’ on Havana. only stockings that Santa stuffs are impact that it has on middle-class fam- On the same day, Raquel Naranjo the silk stockings, and that is the way ilies. Ruize and Aida Rosa Jimenez were that the Republican Christmas pro- A commentator just earlier this week continously followed by state security posed in this Republican budget would reported on the impact on middle-class agents in Havana in a manner that be presented to the American people families that suddenly find a parent, a they subsequently describe to the were it not for the steadfast position loved one who has to go into a nursing international press as insolent and in- that President Clinton and others of us home either because of a disability or cessant. within the Democratic Party have because of advanced years, and it is Moises Rodriguez Quesada, Leonardo taken with regard to its misplaced pri- going to be possible under the Repub- Calvo, and Manuel Cuesda Morua also orities. lican budget as proposed to require the have been victims of threats and inter- You see, it is my position that our children to pay for the nursing home rogations from state security. And, of Republican colleagues have, to this expenses which can run up to $30,000, course, Carmen Arias Jose Miranda, day, not ever come forward with a $40,000 a year of the senior, to tap into Francisco Chavino, Omar del Pozo, and budget that is truly balanced. Yes; the assets of those middle-class fami- Colonel Enrique Labrada and Reverend they do know how to crunch the num- lies at the same time they may be try- Orson Villa, these are all political pris- bers and calculate it all out so that ing to get a young person through oners. they remain incarcerated. that part will become even, and that is school, through college, trying to I want to see where the international an important part of having a balanced struggle to make ends meet them- community is, Mr. Speaker. Where is budget. selves, but to force them to have to pay the Clinton Administration? Where is But balancing the budget is being those expenses. that State Department that we pay concerned with more than just crunch- That is the way people get crunched those salaries to? Where are they de- ing the numbers. It is also as a set of under this Republican budget. We need nouncing this? Where is the inter- national priorities, a matter of consid- a truly balanced budget that is bal- national community? Where is the ering how much you crunch the people. anced to the people of America. United Nations denouncing this, Mr. And when it comes to crunching the Speaker? Where are they? Earn your people, this Republican balanced budg- f salaries, bureaucrats. Earn your sala- et is way out of balance because it crunches a good many middle-class ries. At least denounce this every once TRIBUTE TO THE BRAVERY OF families in this country. It crunches in a while. MARIETTA POLICE OFFICER many seniors in this country because This is going on now in Cuba, and I MIKE POWELL want to hear one condemnation by the its objective is to stuff those silk international press or the inter- stockings with one tax advantage after The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a national organizations. another. previous order of the House, the gen- Where are they Mr. Speaker? We will Indeed, even that very gross tax loop- tleman from Georgia [Mr. BARR] is rec- continue talking about this. hole that we attempted to close earlier ognized for 5 minutes. f this year that lets those people who Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I have prospered the most from America, rise before the House today to pay trib- CRUNCHING NUMBERS, CRUNCHING who have made literally billions of dol- ute to the brave actions of Marietta PEOPLE lars and who can celebrate this Christ- GA, police officer Mike Powell, a 6- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a mas in Belize or in the Bahamas or year veteran of the department, a con- previous order of the House, the gen- somewhere in the Caribbean, having re- stituent, and a friend. Officer Powell’s tleman from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT] is nounced their American citizenship quick response to a 911 call this past recognized for 5 minutes. and burned their citizenship card, torn Saturday saved the life of a local Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I would it up, at the same time having burned woman while placing himself in great tell the last speaker that where some the American Treasury and the Amer- danger. of those people from the State Depart- ican taxpayer, renouncing their citi- Approaching the apartment building ment are is that they are at home or zenship to avoid paying their taxes, in which this woman and her husband maybe they are out doing their Christ- that loophole is still largely present lived, officer Powell heard screams mas shopping because under the orders under this Republican budget. from the woman upstairs as she hid of Speaker NEWT GINGRICH we are pay- Of course, on the eve of the elections from her attacker in a bedroom. Upon ing our Federal employees not to work next year, our Republican colleagues entering the stairwell leading to the again this week, just as we paid them propose with their eat-dessert-first apartment, he found the husband al- not to work in November. budget to provide the checks to people ready dead. Then suddenly Mike start- You see, this is part of an extremist on the eve of the election, not unlike ed receiving gun fire. He quickly re- approach to Government that, if you some old ward heeler passing out hams turned fire on the man until back-up hate Government so much, as some of just prior to the election time, to try arrived and subdued the perpetrator. these Republicans do, the way to dem- to sell the idea that the only way to While making this extraordinary onstrate how much you dislike the get the deficit down is to make it go up stand, officer Powell was hit two times. Government is to pay the Government next year, which is the approach that Thankfully he escaped serious harm, workers not to do any work, and so is taken in this Republican budget. with one shot grazing his side and the some, I think it is 9,000 members of the But the vast majority of the tax other ricocheting off his gun and hit- State Department, are not at work breaks, though there is an occasional ting him in the arm. The woman was today, even though I am confident that sweetener, is designed to go to those at able to flee the apartment unharmed December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15257 during the commotion. It is certain the dressed to or written by the Clintons.’’ mean that the public will receive those quick response of officer Powell saved I skip a little bit. It says, ‘‘Therefore, accusations with the total lack of re- the woman’s life. on this record, there is no basis to as- spect to which Jay Stevens says they Every day the heroic actions of men sert that the Clintons knew anything are entitled. and women serving in police depart- of substance about the McDougals’s ad- ments across the country save lives. vances to Whitewater, the source of the f The job is stressful, dangerous, and funds used to make those advances, or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a frightening, yet thousands put their the source of the funds used to make previous order of the House, the gen- lives on the line so that all of us may payments on bank debt. In particular, tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. GEKAS] live more securely. Mike Powell’s brav- there is no evidence that the Clintons is recognized for 5 minutes. ery is a tribute to him and a reminder knew anything of substance about the [Mr. GEKAS addressed the House. His to all of us of how much the man and transactions as to which the RTC remarks will appear hereafter in the women in blue do to protect and to might be able to establish liability as Extensions of Remarks.] serve. On behalf of the citizens of Mari- to people other than the Clintons.’’ etta and the entire Seventh District of Skipping again to the summation, f Georgia, I commend Officer Powell for ‘‘On this record,’’ this is Jay Stevens, his selfless actions in the line of duty the very committed Republican who ORDER OF BUSINESS and at great personal sacrifice. was hired by the RTC over the objec- Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I ask f tions of the Clinton administration to unanimous consent to exchange places investigate the Clinton involvement in the special order list with the gen- b 1430 with RTC, Madison Guaranty, tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Whitewater, here is his final rec- GEKAS]. COBLE). Under a previous order of the ommendation based on his extensive The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there House, the gentlewoman from Califor- survey of all of the evidence: ‘‘On this objection to the request of the gen- nia [Ms. WATERS] is recognized for 5 record, there is no basis to charge the tleman from Kansas? minutes. Clintons with any kind of primary li- There was no objection. [Ms. WATERS addressed the House. ability for fraud or intentional mis- f Her remarks will appear hereafter in conduct. This investigation has re- vealed no evidence to support any such the Extensions of Remarks.] claims, nor would the record support PROBLEMS IN THE CLINTON f any claim of secondary or derivative li- ADMINISTRATION RTC REPORT EXONERATES ability for the possible misdeeds of oth- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a CLINTONS ers.’’ previous order of the House, the gen- Skipping a little, ‘‘There are legal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tleman from Kansas [Mr. TIAHRT] is theories by which one can become reli- previous order of the House, the gen- recognized for 5 minutes. able for the conduct of others—e.g., tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, we have conspiracy and aiding and abetting. On FRANK] is recognized for 5 minutes. heard a lot of nonsense about the Re- this evidentiary record, however, these Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. publicans ruining Christmas for some theories have no application to the Speaker, we live, as we all know, in an of the Government workers. I want to Clintons. To hold one liable for con- era in which good news is no news. So talk a little bit about the Fourth Dis- spiracy or aiding or abetting, the RTC the recent report issued by Jay Stevens trict of Kansas. We have 1,038 Federal must plead and prove the elements of on behalf of the Resolution Trust Cor- workers subject to furlough. This week these theories. These elements include poration which exonerates President a general awareness of the wrongful the President vetoed legislation that Clinton and Mrs. Clinton from any li- acts being committed by others and an would have put 940 of them back to ability to the RTC involving Madison intention to assist in the commission work, 940, but the President vetoed Guaranty has gone largely unnoticed of the primary offenses. There is no Christmas for those employees and in the press. People who have an inter- evidence here that the Clintons had their families. Thank you very much, est in perpetuating inaccurate accusa- any such knowledge or intent. Accord- Mr. President. tions against President Clinton and ingly, there is no basis to use them.’’ You know, there is struggle going on Mrs. Clinton have understandably ig- Mr. Speaker, partisan Republicans, here about balancing the budget, and nored this. extreme right wingers, and others have we have come to a real critical point, People will remember that Jay Ste- been engaged in a desperate, because if we are unable to balance the vens is the Republican who was a U.S. unyielding, incessant search for evi- budget now, then when will we balance Attorney appointed by the previous Re- dence to tarnish the Clintons with re- it? We have a future to think about for publican administrations who was con- gard to Whitewater. They have found our children. We are $5 trillion in debt. sidering running for the U.S. Senate as none. There is no evidence, and here we It is a tremendous amount of money. a Republican. He is a deeply committed have a comprehensive report by a Re- We are trying to strengthen our econ- conservative partisan, but also an hon- publican prosecutor, a would-be can- omy. est man, not that there is any incon- didate for office, who thoroughly inves- We have seen two dramatic moves in sistency there. He was hired by the tigates this and, as conclusively as you our economy. No. 1, when we went RTC to investigate President Clinton can get an investigator to say, he says through the 5,000 mark on the New and Mrs. Clinton. Indeed, it was the there is no basis for this. York Stock Exchange, it was the same fact that so committed a Republican Pirandello wrote a play, ‘‘Six Char- week when we thought we had an partisan had been hired that caused the acters in Search of an Author.’’ Our agreement to balance the Federal uproar in the White House, when peo- Republican colleagues have collabo- budget in 7 years. This week, when we ple said to the Treasury Department, rated on a more fantastic creative thought the balanced budget had how could you let this happen? work. It is hundreds of accusations failed, the stock market dropped dra- Well, Mr. Stevens has now given his against the Clintons in search of any matically, over 100 points, and then final report. evidence. And Mr. Stevens, a profes- bounced back the next day, when Alan The RTC has asked that grand jury sional investigator and Republican Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal information not be released, and I have charged with looking into not just Reserve, said that he hoped that we none here. They have asked that their criminal liability, but civil liability, could get to a balanced budget, and in future litigation strategy not be dis- has concluded that after all of the evi- good faith he was going to lower inter- cussed, and I would not do that here. I dence is examined, there is no basis est rates a quarter of a percent. will quote from Mr. Stevens’ report. whatsoever to make an accusation But it is going to be very difficult for ‘‘The foregoing list contains essen- against the Clintons. the President to concede to a balanced tially all the documents regarding Will this stop our colleagues from budget, because his liberal agenda does Whitewater that seem to have been ad- their accusations? No. But it ought to not include balancing the budget, only H 15258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 paying off liberal interest groups. Plus urge him to get back into some honest has thrown more than 200,000 people he is being dragged down by members negotiations on the Federal budget, so out of work 1 week before the Christ- of his own Cabinet. that we can enjoy Christmas as a gov- mas holidays. Currently Secretary O’Leary in the ernment, get everyone back to work, Yesterday my colleague from Vir- Department of Energy is falling under and also preserve a future for our chil- ginia, Mr. MORAN, was on the floor, and fire. It started out with GAO reports as dren, strengthen our economy, and just he put the Government shutdown into early as the first part of this year when plain do the right thing. Balancing the human terms that I think everyone they reported that she had a ‘‘mission budget is the right thing to do. who is listening can understand. He a minute,’’ quote-unquote, a mission a f said he visited a school in his suburban minute, that there were very large Washington district where the teachers management problems within the De- PRESIDENT RIGHT TO STAND told him that the children are not en- partment. Then Vice President Gore’s FIRM ON BUDGET joying Christmas this year as they National Performance Review came The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a have in the past. Why? Because many out, which said that portions of the De- previous order of the House, the gentle- of their parents are Federal employees partment of Energy, like of the envi- woman from Connecticut [Ms. who are out of work today, people who ronmental management portion, was DELAURO] is recognized for 5 minutes. want to go to work, people who take on 40-percent inefficient, and it could cost Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, let me personal responsibility for themselves taxpayers $70 billion over the next 30 just comment on one thing that the and their families. They are out of years. prior speaker mentioned at the begin- work today, thanks to Speaker GING- Then we started to see travel prob- ning of his remarks, and that was that RICH. Their parents are fighting more, lems, with the Secretary of the Depart- the President was holding out, was worried that they will not get paid, and ment of Energy having the highest hanging tough, whatever phrase you afraid to spend money on the Christ- travel budget per trip of anyone inside want to use, on the budget, because of mas holiday gifts. the President’s Cabinet, staying at the people that he cares about, or the We should not be surprised that four-star hotels, traveling first class, interests that he cares about. Speaker GINGRICH is willing to go to taking along large staffs for her domes- such extreme lengths to get his way if tic travel. But that was all based on I have got to tell you I am very proud you take a look at what the Speaker her current responsibilities in the De- of the President and his holding firm said in September about shutting the partment of Energy, which are all do- on this budget, because of in fact who Government down. This is a quote from mestic. he is holding out for, and that is for the the Washington Post on September 22. Then we started to hear about the folks who are on Medicare, those elder- It says, ‘‘I don’t care what the price is. international trips. Secretary O’Leary ly who are in nursing homes, that get I don’t care if we have no executive of- has taken 16 international trips, taking their health care paid for through ei- fices and no bonds for 30 days—not at along as many as 50 staff members, as ther in whole or in part by Medicaid, this time. I don’t care what the price many as 68 guests, often CEO’s who do by concerning himself with the envi- is.’’ not pay their portion of the travels. ronment, and by concerning himself with the working families of this coun- One trip cost $720,000. With 16 of them, b 1445 it is in the millions of dollars, the costs try. of this. Often she travels on the same By the same token, Speaker GING- Quite honestly, that sums up the phi- plane as Madonna leases. So the mate- RICH is trying to hold the President losophy of the Speaker. It explains why rial girl of Clinton’s Cabinet is spend- hostage on this budget because of the he is willing to shut down the Govern- ing unwisely taxpayer dollars in these special interests that he has, and I will ment and ruin the holidays for thou- travels. match the President’s commitment to sands of hard-working families in this She hires photographers and video the working people of this country country. crews to come along, because she wants with Mr. GINGRICH holding out for This is someone who talks about a to be caught at her best. She is very those special interests, those who are budget that is good for our children. worried about the public image she is going to get the benefits of $245 billion What happens to these youngsters who presenting and has been quoted as try- in tax breaks, those richest of Amer- are watching their parents worry about ing to bring the second term of the ican corporations who are going to see their jobs and what they are going to President’s campaign, the ideals of it, a $17 billion windfall with the repeal of be able to do in the future? It explains to the forefront now. the alternate minimum tax. why Speaker GINGRICH’s budget cuts In the zeal to project a good public Last month Speaker GINGRICH shut health care for the elderly and the poor image, Secretary O’Leary has hired a the Government down. He shut it down, while providing massive tax breaks for personal media consultant at a cost of and, in his own words, he shut it down the wealthiest people and corporations $75,000 per year to the taxpayers. She because he did not like his seat on Air in this country. also employs inside the Department of Force One. Now he is at it again. This Believe it or not, this is the same Energy more than 520 public relations time the Speaker has shut the Govern- man who last week was named Times employees at a payroll of over $25 mil- ment down because he is not getting ‘‘Man of the Year,’’ leaving America to lion per year. She has even hired a pri- his way on the budget, even though the wonder who was the runner up, Ebene- vate investigative firm to investigate overwhelming number of Americans re- zer Scrooge? reporters and Congressmen who are ject Speaker GINGRICH’s budget, and I f tarnishing her favorable image. She might add, that 60 percent of the Amer- has developed a list of unfavorables. ican public wanted President Clinton Well, it is going to be hard to hit the to veto the Gingrich budget because of BALANCING THE BUDGET IS A budget target, especially when you are the issues of Medicare, Medicaid, edu- MILESTONE FOR AMERICA unable to control spending like this. cation, and the environment. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a This is excessive, it is unnecessary, and The Speaker is not getting his way previous order of the House, the gen- it is a waste. We are so concerned on this budget. He would like to cut tleman from Florida [Mr. FOLEY] is about the poor, and yet we allow first- Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the recognized for 5 minutes. class travel within members of the environment, all to help finance that Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, to respond Cabinet overseas, on the same airplane tax break for the wealthiest Ameri- for a moment to the prior speaker, it is that is leased by Madonna. That is not cans. Those may be the Speaker’s pri- not about ruining the holidays for Fed- the lifestyle that is projected by the orities, but in fact they are not Ameri- eral Government employees, it is about administration when they are trying to ca’s priorities. But instead of listening restoring faith in America. It is about speak for the poor. It is quite the oppo- of the American people and fixing this people coming to Washington and hon- site. unbalanced budget, the Speaker has oring their commitment to balance the So, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage chosen to shut the Government down budget. President Clinton to ask for the res- for the second time in a month. His de- It is interesting when we have votes ignation of Secretary O’Leary. I would cision to shut the Government down on the board whether Democrats and December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15259 Republicans will seek to balance the Carter administration because we had ORDER OF BUSINESS budget. Overwhelmingly, both parties a gas shortage, a crisis, and they want- Mr. MILLER of California., Mr. join in saying, yes, we want a balanced ed to make certain that the thermo- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to budget. The President wants a bal- stats would stay at 78 degrees. Now we exchange special order times with the anced budget. He said it many times. are traveling the globe trying to seek gentleman from Michigan [Mr. In reviewing the document that the out whatever we are trying to look for STUPAK]. President submitted to this Congress, and spending hundreds of millions of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the only difference is that it incurs dollars to do it. COBLE). Is there objection to the re- hundreds of billions of dollars of budget I think the Cabinet Secretary needs quest of the gentleman? deficits for the next 7 years. That is to reexamine her priorities, reexamine There was no objection. not balancing a budget. Maybe in why the Department was created and Washington spending $115 billion more show some leadership and some frugal- f than we have next year is balancing a ity and not spend the taxpayers’ money budget, but in real America, in the real FRESHMEN REPUBLICANS DO NOT as if she is, in fact, a corporate execu- business community that is bank- CARE ABOUT FAMILY VALUES tive on the shareholders’ nickel. ruptcy. That is out of business. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a So as we approach the season of Yes, Congress has failed to act. Many previous order of the House, the gen- Christmas, the Speaker and Members people look back at the Reagan years tleman from California [Mr. MILLER] is of Congress have committed to staying and say, oh, it is Reagan’s fault for recognized for 5 minutes. here as long as it takes. That is not running up massive deficits. Hey, the Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. good news for families. It is not good buck stops here in Congress, folks. The Speaker, the previous speaker said that news for anyone that Congress would buck stops here in Congress. The Con- this was not about ruining the holidays work in session through Christmas. gress are the appropriators. They are for the families of Federal employees; But I think we must honor the tradi- the authorizers. They are the check that that really was not important and tion of this House. writers. They are the fiscal clearing- what was important was a balanced When we run for elections we tell house for this Nation. So Congress has budget. voters if they will send us to Congress, to accept the responsibilities. that we will do the heavy lifting; that I think that that shows such incred- The President submits a budget, and ible lack of respect for those families, we will bring back a balanced budget we have sure seen his. It does not look and restore fiscal unity and dignity to for their relationships with their chil- like it is going to reduce the debt, but, dren at a time of the holidays, for their this Nation. So we cannot just say, oh, no, he gets a chance to submit it and well, it is almost Christmas. We have religious beliefs. I think it shows such he gets a chance to veto, which he has an incredible lack of respect for our to be home. We have to leave Washing- done. ton. We cannot be here. We cannot be families and our religious beliefs. This away from the house, our districts, be- I was proud today, Mr. Speaker, when is more than shopping days. This is a cause certainly the balanced budget we came to the securities legislation, religious holiday. It is a time when we can come later. that a number of our colleagues, both gather with our families and we think This is a milestone in our Nation. Democrats and Republicans, overrode of our fortunes and our misfortunes, This is a unique opportunity. As Mr. his veto. We are sending him a message and we take stock of the year we have GINGRICH says, this is gut-check time, that it is time to start working and and the year we look forward to and we whether we have the fortitude to bring stop vetoing messages and then send- pay respect to our God. down overspending or do we want to ing hollow bills back to this floor sug- The suggestion somehow is that that just keep playing games. gesting he is committed to deficit re- can all be held ransom, that can be We have heard the Medicare scam, duction. held ransom and somehow that will and many people have talked about it, We have a lot of problems in America make the negotiations more serious; but we have seen the tapes, we have and we have a lot of problems we can that, apparently, the Speaker of the seen the visuals of Mr. and Mrs. Clin- solve together, and I think there has House of Representatives is incapable ton saying we should bring it down to been a great bipartisan spirit on a of negotiating unless he has a hostage. 6 or 7 percent a year. Well, we are number of issues. But I do think it is He shut down the Government a month doing 7-plus percent a year in Medicare time for all of us to end the charade, ago because the President of the Unit- spending per recipient. So it is not a end the political games, end the char- ed States would not talk to him. Now cut. We know that. We have proven acterizations and assaults against the he is shutting down the Government that. We will go on to the next issues. Speaker, and on both sides of the aisle. because the President is talking to Wasting taxpayers’ dollars, though, The Republicans do not need to fire him. is legendary around this process. We missiles over to the Democrats, and I Last night the President agreed to have appropriators, authorizers, the think the Democrats need to cease and sit down with Senator DOLE and with Committee on the Budget, all working desist. Speaker GINGRICH, they would roll up somewhat together and then, at times, their sleeves and they would negotiate Mr. Speaker, I listened to the gen- apart. a balanced budget that would be Mr. Speaker, I had an interesting op- tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. scored, the numbers would be guaran- portunity to kill the gas turbine this FRANK] talk about the exonerations of teed so it truly came into balance by year, which was an exciting year for the Clintons. The same thing is hap- the Congressional Budget Office. me and an exciting project for me, be- pening to the Speaker on the numerous They walked out of that office with cause it had spent hundreds of millions charges being filed by the other side of that agreement: and, apparently, the of dollars a year. Always killed in the the aisle, in order to tie up the process, Speaker brought that back to the Hill Senate, denounced by three Presidents, in order to try to impugn his reputa- and the freshmen Republicans told but here in the House it survived year tion and trying to do a number of him, no; that that was not good enough after year. We killed it here in the things. to release the Federal hostages; that House, went over to the Senate and So I think if this Congress is serious that was not good enough to let people killed it there, and, finally, the gas about Christmas, about the holidays, enjoy Christmas; and that was not good turbine no longer finds its way into our and about the future of this Nation, enough to put people back to work. budget. The same Government that had that we will put aside personalities and Maybe we were wrong. I assume that the Department of Defense procure- get down to balancing the budget ini- the President assumed that when the ment system paying $450 for a hammer. tiative, and we will work on it success- Speaker said he wanted to negotiate We just heard from one of my col- fully, like we should. We have all voted vis-a-vis the President, that he as- leagues, the gentleman from Kansas for it, we have all supported it, and sumed he had the authority to nego- [Mr. TIAHRT], talking about Secretary now let us do the heavy lifting and pro- tiate. The President was speaking for O’Leary’s trips. As I recall, we started vide the leadership necessary in order the Presidency, the executive branch the Department of Energy during the to pass it. and the people he represents. Senator H 15260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995
DOLE seemed to think he was rep- hereafter in the Extensions of Re- is broken, and the President is going to resenting the people in the Senate from marks.] have to be part of the solution in fixing the Republican Party. Apparently, the f that. Speaker did not have negotiating au- Mr. Speaker, another thing we have A BALANCED BUDGET IS THE thority from the freshmen in the House got to do is we have got to restore con- MOST SERIOUS CRISIS OF THIS of Representatives. fidence in the American people. How GENERATION So apparently, the Government will confident can the American people be remain shut down through Christmas. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a that business in Washington is chang- We will or will not be here through previous order of the House, the gen- ing when we have the Secretary of En- Christmas, and families will have to go tleman from Colorado [Mr. MCINNIS] is ergy traveling around the country in through that kind of trauma. It is ter- recognized for 5 minutes. one of her jet rides that costs $400,000 ribly unfortunate, but it shows such a Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, we need a just for the jet, taking an entourage of basic flaw in all of the rhetoric and all Government that keeps on ticking, but 50 or 60 or 70 staff people with her, hav- of the debate and all of the hot air we do not need a Government that ing 500 people to handle public rela- from the Republicans about family val- keeps on giving. This balanced budget tions? ues, about the importance of families, is the most serious crisis of this gen- We cannot allow that to go on. How about how this was going to be a Con- eration. there is not a family in Amer- confident can the American people be gress that took that into consideration ica that finds themselves in a situation when we stand by and let that happen? when we recognize the importance of where they spend more money than The President should immediately ask the Christmas season to our families. they bring in that they do not call it a for, and the Secretary of Energy should Now, what is the debate about? The crisis. There is not a family in America immediately submit, her resignation. debate, apparently, is that the fresh- that if they got them selves into the We need to look at the scare tactics men Republicans told the Speaker same kind of situation as this Govern- that are being deployed, and we have there will be no give on the $245 billion ment, spending more than they bring heard some of them on this floor today. tax cut; that that was sacred to their in, would not sit down at a table and Mr. Speaker, we are not ending Med- sense of a balanced budget. So at the say, you know something, somewhere icaid. We are doing it in a different time that we are cutting the seniors’ we are going to have to reduce the way. We are sending the money to the health care benefits, at a time that we amount of money that we are spending. States and bypassing the bureacruacy are limiting the amount of money to be Our problem back here in Washing- in Washington, DC. Medicare is not made available for the elderly in nurs- ton, D.C., by the way, is not a lack of being eliminated. ing homes, at a time that we are cut- money. We have plenty of money in Mr. Speaker, if we listened to some of ting back on health care benefits and Washington. We have twice as much as the scare tactics, we would think there abolishing the Medicaid Program for we did 10 years ago. Our problem back will be no more school lunches for kids. children, for poor women in this coun- here in the Nation’s Capital is spend- That is obviously false. Not one kid try, the first time that we have put ing. We are spending more money than who got a lunch this year is going to be children back into poverty instead of we bring in. Our problem back here is denied lunch next year. We would be- lifting them out of poverty, at a time not a lack of taxes. In fact, the average lieve that students will not get loans that we are cutting back on access to person in this country spends the first and the senior citizens are going to be student loans and increasing the cost 2 hours and 45 minutes of every work- thrown out in the street to starve. We of education, at a time that we are ing day just paying their taxes. would think all of these dramatic Like an old farmer one time told me, making those fundamental changes and things are going to happen. before you put more water in the buck- cutbacks that affect every family in Mr. Speaker, a year from now, after et, you better plug the holes. That is America, the bottom line for the Re- this President is forced to accept a 7- what is happening in this Government. publicans is that if they do not get the year balanced budget and after this We need to plug the holes. We need to tax cut for the wealthy in this country, President is forced to have it scored by reduce this spending. You cannot tax if they do not get that, then there can the CBO, a year from now we are not the American people anymore. be no negotiations. going to find any of that having oc- To hold on to that position, they b 1500 curred. have decided, for the second time, to And the American people have every In fact, what we are going to find is take hostages from the Federal work right to expect this Government to lower interest rates. We are going to force. This is a little bit like a family conduct its business as we expect them, find that the next generation has got that sits down, as we must do to bal- the constituents, our bosses, to con- this generation paying off its credit ance a budget, and decides that they duct their business. card so that we do not send that debt will only go to the show once a week, Mr. Speaker, what will happen if we on to the next generation. That debt they will not eat out any longer, they can balance this budget? First of all, right now accrues at a rate of $30 mil- will drive the car for a longer period of let me tell my colleagues that the lion an hour. This next generation is time, they will not buy a new house, President, regardless of all of the rhet- watching our generation overspend the they will take an extra job, maybe the oric that goes on, regardless of what budget by $30 million an hour. kids will have to work, but then, all of the President says right now, I can What will we see a year from now? a sudden, they turn around and say, guarantee my colleagues that this We are going to see that come to an but we are going to give the children a President will be forced to accept a 7- end. We are going to see the U.S. Gov- raise in their allowance. year balanced budget; I can guarantee ernment in Washington, DC do as 48 We do not have the money for this my colleagues that this President will States do, and every family in America tax cut. We do not have the $245 billion be forced to have that scored by the is expected to do, and that is to bal- when we are cutting $270 billion out of Congressional Budget Office; and I can ance their budget, to not spend more seniors’ health care and $180 billion out guarantee my colleagues that the money than they bring in. of Medicaid. I think the freshmen Re- President is going to have to address Mr. Speaker, let me say that our publicans ought to quit being so selfish entitlement programs. issue back here is spending. We are not and start thinking about America’s Mr. Speaker, if my colleagues think cutting Medicare; we are reducing the families and families that need their entitlement progarms in this country growth of Medicare. The President’s help. are run well, ask anybody how well our proposal, by the way, on Medicare is f welfare system is run. Imagine winning very similar to ours. If some of these The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a $100 million in the lottery and wanting people get up talk about the Repub- previous order of the House, the gen- to give $50 million of it to the poor peo- licans and want to use the word ‘‘cut,’’ tleman from Kentucky [Mr. LEWIS] is ple in this country. Would anyone send they better talk about their own Presi- recognized for 5 minutes. that to Washington, DC for distribu- dent. [Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky addressed tion to the poor people in this country? Mr. Speaker, we need to stop the the House. His remarks will appear Of course they would not. The system spending in Washington and we need to December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15261 control. With that, I would just urge disagree with that veto, not with a GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN UNNEC- and tell the American people I am posi- two-thirds majority to override the ESSARILY INCONVENIENCES tive and optimistic that we will have a veto, not with another bill that might CONSTITUENTS balanced budget and all of us, including gain the President’s signature, but the next generation and especially the with shutting the Government down. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a next generation, will be better off for Mr. Speaker, there is no language in previous order of the House, the gentle- it. the Constitution that says that is what woman from Ohio [Ms. KAPTUR] is rec- f the majority in Congress should do if ognized for 5 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. they are displeased with the veto. The Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I wanted COBLE). Under a previous order of the Constitution says we override the veto to follow on the remarks of our distin- House, the gentlewoman from Florida or we pass another bill that the Presi- guished minority leader here. This is a [Ms. BROWN] is recognized for 5 min- dent may or may not sign. serious moment for our country. Our utes. It is irresponsible, it is unconscion- congressional office has now been in re- able, it is immoral to have taxpayers’ [Ms. BROWN of Florida addressed the ceipt of phone calls from constituents money to pay for services and then to House. Her remarks will appear here- who are not able to get their passports say we are not going to give those serv- after in the Extensions of Remarks.] processed because of the shutdown of ices to people or, in the case of veter- f the Government. So, in addition to vet- ans, their checks for their pension, be- erans, whose checks are being threat- SPEAKER AND HOUSE REPUB- cause we are in a pique with the Presi- ened at this point because this Con- LICANS SHOULD NEGOTIATE dent with his priorities on the budget. gress and this Speaker chooses not to WITH PRESIDENT AND END GOV- Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe this is move legislation through this body ERNMENT SHUTDOWN happening to our country. In the name that will keep the various agencies op- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a of sense, in the name of morality, in erating, and not inconveniencing the previous order of the House, the gen- the name of logic, in the name of de- public during this very busy travel sea- cency, I ask the Republican majority tleman from Missouri [Mr. GEPHARDT] son, it is truly a tragedy what is hap- is recognized for 5 minutes. and the Speaker of this House to come pening here just to make some sort of to this floor today to pass a continuing Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, the political point. President reached an agreement with resolution, to open this Government Mr. Speaker, I think it is time for the Republican leadership last night, back up and to get in a room with the people here to grow up or get out, and both to begin intensive discussions President of the United States and the to deliver the kind of services to the about how to balance the budget on a other leaders in Congress and try to see American public that they expect of us. rapid timetable and also that the Con- as hard as we can if we can find a budg- We have thousands of families across gress would pass a continuing resolu- et for this country for the next year, if this country who have filed for home tion today to reopen the Government. not 7 years. mortgages that have a relationship to Evidently, the extreme elements of the Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, will the HUD where they insure and process House Republicans have rejected this gentleman yield? those mortgages. Mr. Speaker, 20,000 of agreement and prevented the Govern- Mr. GEPHARDT. I yield to the gen- ment from reopening today. tleman from Texas. those a month cannot be processed be- Mr. Speaker, the President is com- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, the cause of this Government shutdown. mitted to balancing the budget in 7 Leader is obviously here, as are many We are inconveniencing the Amer- years and doing so in a way that re- Democrats, ready to work this after- ican people from coast to coast. We flects our values and also our prior- noon. I am advised that unless this have tourists all around this country Congress, which went into a kind of re- ities: health care, education, the envi- that cannot get into the monuments. cess at 2 o’clock eastern time today, ronment, tax fairness. He is prepared Think of when in recent history my unless by 8 o’clock in the morning it to talk with the Republican leaders colleagues ever remember this happen- has approved a continuing resolution, today, tomorrow, the next day, as long ing. This does not need to happen, espe- thousands of veterans in Austin, TX, as is necessary to get the job done. cially during this very important sea- and I believe you said 3.3 million across But Congress in the meantime should son of the year when so many people the country, people that have served reopen the Federal Government. We are traveling and expecting the good- our country, who have put their lives cannot achieve this important goal will that this season represents to gov- on the line, many of them disabled vet- through threats and ultimatums. The ern our actions toward others. Republicans in Congress have threat- erans, will not get their checks on time ened to keep the Government shut if that resolution is not passed within YES! TOLEDO WINS IN OVERTIME just a matter of hours. down unless the President agrees to Mr. Speaker, I came to the floor this Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman deep and unconscionable cuts in Medi- afternoon on a little bit lighter sub- from Missouri [Mr. GEPHARDT] know of care and Medicaid. The President will ject, and I would like to say that my any reason why those veterans should never give in to these kinds of threats, good colleague from the State of Ne- be asked to sacrifice and should be nor should he. vada has elected not to join me here caught in the middle of all the crisis Mr. Speaker, this country has a re- this afternoon, but I am compelled to sponsibility not only to balance the that is going on here in Washington? Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, re- rise to tell my colleagues that if they budget, but also to protect our values claiming my time, there is absolutely happened to miss the first college bowl and our interests as people. We must no justification for it. It is immoral. It game of the 1995 season, they may have act in the interest of the 3.3 million is immoral to say that they will not missed the best, most historic bowl veterans who will not receive their get their benefits because there is a game of the year. benefits checks due December 29 unless disagreement between the Congress the Congress passes a continuing reso- Mr. Speaker, in the Las Vegas Bowl, and the President on a budget. That is lution by tomorrow morning. the still undefeated University of To- Our first obligation must be to these not the adult way, the sensible way to ledo Rockets beat the University of Ne- people, not to confrontational tactics handle this disagreement. vada Wolf Pack 40 to 37 in the first or extreme agendas. Let me last say f overtime game in the history of post- this. I believe that if this cannot move The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a season college football. forward today, we are in a constitu- previous order of the House, the gen- It was a close game, as evidenced by tional crisis. This is the first time in tleman from Maryland [Mr. BARTLETT] the 34 to 34 fourth quarter score spar- memory that the Speaker of the House is recognized for 5 minutes. kling with flashes of offensive bril- and a majority in the House has said [Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland ad- liance on both sides. But in overtime, that the President’s veto, being an ex- dressed the House. His remarks will ap- Reno’s Wolf Pack defense could not traordinary power, must be met on the pear hereafter in the Extensions of Re- withstand the onslaught of Rocket star side of the majority in Congress if they marks.] Wasean Tate’s powerful running game. H 15262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995
Tate scored a touchdown and the game, budget now. Put into place the frame- tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. KEN- as it is often said and this time never work today is that in 7-years time we NEDY] is recognized for 5 minutes. more true, was history. can have a balanced budget and start Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my col- to eliminate this national debt that Speaker, as we face a kind of con- league, the gentlewoman from Nevada will suffocate generations to come. flagration in Washington, a meltdown, [Mrs. VUCANOVICH], for graciously hon- There is nothing moral about taking a fire storm that seems to be taking oring our friendly wager by awarding the money from generations still to place both on the House floor and in our team this Nevada Wolf Pack come simply because they do not have Washington in general tonight, the sweatshirt, which I intend to present a vote. Good people may disagree, and truth is that there was a real fire that to the team at an appropriate moment, my good friend from Massachusetts is took place in the State of Massachu- for it was they who won it fair and here on the floor, and I am sure he will setts last week that I think can act as square. get a chance to speak here in a few mo- kind of a moral for all of us in this Mr. Speaker, I want to say to the ments. Good people may disagree on Chamber to take some advice and some Rockets, because I know many of them how money may best be spent. But for lessons from. are listening, and as this particular T- the executive branch of this Govern- I rise today to pay tribute to a re- shirt indicates over here, are ment to walk away from a public com- markable man in Aaron Feuerstein. undefeated champs of the mid-Amer- mitment and, moreover, a public law, Aaron is the owner of the Malden Mills ican conference. Our newspaper had a signed 30 days ago by the Chief Execu- in Methuen, MA. He saw his family complete front page headline: ‘‘Toledo tive, committing this Nation, commit- business go up in flames last week. Rockets Win Vegas Bowl.’’ We are so ting this Government as terms of the Over 2,400 families worked in that com- extremely proud of them and their previous continuing resolution to use pany. hard work. the framework of a commitment to a Against all odds, Aaron Feuerstein Go Rockets and Go Toledo and thank balanced budget in 7 years using the built up a company in Massachusetts you, Mrs. VUCANOVICH. honest numbers of the Congressional that has for the last several decades f Budget Office, but for the President to lost tens of thousands of mill jobs to walk away from that statement, to other countries. Tens of thousands of NOW IS NOT TIME FOR BUSINESS walk away from that public law is ab- AS USUAL mill jobs have moved down to the solutely patently wrong. South and have left Massachusetts be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Now, others may try to massage the cause of high wages, because of the previous order of the House, the gen- wording, and there may be countervail- high cost of energy. But while others tleman from Arizona [Mr. HAYWORTH] ing philosophies, but the undergirding were abandoning the State, Aaron is recognized for 5 minutes. part of that public law was a commit- Feuersten was building up the State. Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I ment to work for a balanced budget He pays union wages. Ron Alman, the thank the Speaker and I thank many within 7 years using the honest, non- head of the International Ladies Gar- of our colleagues for joining us here on partisan numbers of the Congressional ment Workers, has nothing but kind the floor today. Budget Office. words to say about Mr. Feuerstein. Mr. Speaker, I listened with great in- Are there differences in philosophy? Mr. Feuerstein, at a time when his terest to the gentlewoman from Ohio Of course, but there should be no dif- company and his life savings were [Ms. KAPTUR], and indeed would offer in ference on that board bedrock of prin- burning, stood and made a commit- the spirit of bipartisanship, congratu- ciple. ment to his workers that he would con- lations to the Toledo Rockets for their Mr. Speaker, I freely acknowledge tinue to pay them through the Christ- great victory. I am sure I am speaking that good people can disagree and, in- mas season, would continue to pay for my colleagues from the great State deed, we are here to debate those dif- them on into next month and commit- of Nevada. She was more than happy to ferences. But surely, certainly the ted himself to rebuilding that plant. supply the Tee-shirt and she is equally bounds of common decency suggest, Maybe the Congress, maybe the Presi- proud of the Wolf Pack of Nevada, that, even though good people may dis- dent, maybe the House and Democrats Reno, even though they came up on the agree, there should be a basic frame- and Republicans can learn a little short end of the score. work upon which to work out the dis- something about Mr. Feuerstein’s com- Mr. Speaker, again, on that biparti- agreement. Now this White House and mitment to this country, to his com- san remark, let me address the re- this administration and regrettably munity. marks of my colleague from Ohio and some others in this Chamber want to This is an individual who employs other remarks in this Chamber earlier walk away from that basic agreement. immigrant workers as well as people today with reference to what is tran- Much is made of the holidays. Much that have lived in this country for gen- spiring here in Washington, DC, and in- is made of the hardship that many erations. He has invested in their edu- deed throughout the country. Americans face. But again, Mr. Speak- cation. He spent millions of dollars of There has been a plea from the other er, the greatest Christmas present that his own funds to teach people English, side of the aisle, a request to go back we can give the American people is to to give people job training. He has to business as usual. Indeed, this morn- make sure that we have a Nation fis- worked with the Government. It is ing, my dear friend from New Jersey, cally sane and sound, morally respon- through that kind of partnership and who is also here on the floor, basically sible for generations to come, saving commitment that he has built up his said that in his opinion, what is tran- the health care system for our grand- company. He has made a recommit- spiring now is not the way a majority parents, ensuring fiscal responsibility ment to making certain that we in this should govern in the United States. and no to business as usual, trying to Nation can have the kind of high wage, find a way to always tax and spend and b 1515 high skilled jobs that mean the future spend some more. Let me simply offer these thoughts. of America is going to be safe. f It is precisely because of business as Yet, as that goes on in Methuen and usual and the constant drumbeat of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Malden and other parts of the State of taxing and spending and spending a lit- COBLE). Under a previous order of the Massachusetts, what we see is divisive- tle more and making special accom- House, the gentleman from California ness and name calling and a tearing modations and spending more and more [Mr. KIM] is recognized for 5 minutes. apart of the future of this country. We and more and more that we never come [Mr. KIM addressed the House. His are saying, as this guy is standing in to grips with the central issue we must remarks will appear hereafter in the Boston making certain that his work- confront. And that is we are commit- Extensions of Remarks.] ers, when he has no income, are going ting fiscal suicide upon this Nation and f to get paid. We are saying, we are upon future generations if we fail to going to cut off the workers in this stand now and respond to the clarion TRIBUTE TO AARON FEUERSTEIN country today. call of the American people who say The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a There should be a lesson that we all enough is enough. Balance the Federal previous order of the House, the gen- take about how we can try to get December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15263 along, how we can try to make this sent, is to agree to have alternating presume an increase in revenues of 5.5 country grow and prosper in the future speakers, is all. percent. by recognizing that these companies do Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, the None of these differences are too not have to just line their pockets with gentleman is just filling in for the gen- broad to sit down at the table and just their profits. We do not have to meas- tleman from Maine [Mr. LONGLEY]. cut a deal and go home with their fami- ure our degree of growth in our country Mr. Speaker, I withdraw by reserva- lies for the holidays. No, this is not just by how Wall Street does, but we tion of objection. about numbers. This is not about num- can look at how American workers do The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there bers. This is about a basic philosophy, and how families do and whether we objection to the request of the gen- because we believe and have believed build up communities. That is what tleman from Georgia? all year that Medicaid and welfare can this individual is doing. There was no objection. be handled more efficiently and more That is why I hope that the Congress f effectively by the States. So do the of the United States would join with BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS Governors, including many of the Dem- me in honoring Aaron Feuerstein and ocrat Governors. his legacy to the company that he has The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gen- We want to take that money that we built, that his workers have helped him have been spending and turn it back to tleman from Georgia [Mr. LINDER] is build. That means that there is going the States for them to handle in the to be a happy Christmas, a happy Cha- recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, let me community person to person, face to nukah, a happy holiday season for so face. We think that welfare and Medic- many families in Massachusetts that just say that I just came upstairs from a Republican conference meeting, and aid ought to be more in the form of last week looked like they were burned caring than caretaking. The President out and had no hope and no future. His it was very discouraging. There seems to be a whole lot less progress on this disagrees. This is all about who de- commitment means they do have hope, cides, who chooses on behalf of others, they do have a future, and all of us can budget than we thought would be there. who sets the power. learn something from his example. In 1958, John Kenneth Galbraith pub- Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, will the This President has said on so many times that he was in favor of a bal- lished a book entitled The Affluent So- gentleman yield? ciety. I always thought it was ironic Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. I anced budget. During the campaign it was 5 years. Later it was 10 years, and that 7 years after he published a book yield to the gentleman from Missouri. entitled The Affluent Society, he en- Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I want then 8 years, and then between 7 and 9, listed in the War on Poverty. But in his to join with the gentleman and his and then 9 years, and then 7 years. And book in 1958, the entire book was essen- words, as one who is not even close to last night our leadership believed, and tially this. It is not that Americans Massachusetts, but I saw it on the the press reported, that the President have too little or they have too much. news. The gentleman stood up and said: was prepared to put his numbers, his But they make bad choices with their All of my employees are going to con- specific numbers for spending on the dollars. And it is the obligation of an tinue to receive their wages, even table for discussion using Congres- educated government to tax those dol- though the plants are not operating, sional Budget Office numbers. lars from them and make better and we are going to start up some of Subsequent to that, this morning the choices on their behalf. those plants—I think it was—within 30 Vice President goes live on C–SPAN at days. the press room of the White House and, Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. when asked that specific question, b 1530 when will you have a budget, the Vice That is exactly right. I submit that is what the issue is President responded, well, we will put Mr. VOLKLER. Then soon thereafter about. they were going to be in full produc- all the budgets on the table, our OMB- scored budget, the Congress’s CBO The first 2 years of the administra- tion. It is such a positive mode, just tion the budget, welfare, health care, the opposite of what we have here numbers, and other budgets that may be offered. And under insistent ques- virtually everything proposed, was for today. This is a negative mode that we more taxes, more Federal bureaucracy, have here that we are going to reduce tioning by the media, he was asked, are you going to do what was said last more deciding on behalf of the Amer- the Federal Government. We are going ican citizens. Indeed Mrs. Clinton said to shut it down if we do not have our night, put a budget on the table with CBO scoring numbers? And the Vice in the house of the gentleman from way. He did not have his way. He got Ohio [Mr. KASICH] one evening, ‘‘We burned out. President said no. This is very, very discouraging. If we have an obligation to make better Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. The choices on our citizens’ behalf.’’ gentleman is exactly right. cannot even get in the same rules, play That is what it is about, the left ver- Mr. VOLKMER. I think it is a very in the game with the same rules, we sus the right. The left thinks that we good example of the differences in the cannot get to the end of this. Each of should decide for the future and shape way we just think about things. us would like to be home with family a future that our children and grand- f for Christmas and New Year’s and the work that we have to do in our dis- children will be secure in; it will be fair GRANTING OF SPECIAL ORDER tricts during January. But I believe we and warm. The right says if you gave Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask are prepared to stay through Christmas us every lever of governance tomorrow, unanimous consent to address the until this is done, that what we insist we would not have the slightest idea of House for 5 minutes. happening is that we are going to not what to do. I could not satisfy 10 per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there go home until we have a balanced cent of the Members of this House be- objection to the request of the gen- budget now. cause we all come to the table with dif- tleman from Georgia? The interesting thing about this is ferent hopes, and dreams, and aspira- Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, reserv- that we are not all that far apart. For tions. ing the right to object, I just wondered all the talk we have heard about Medi- I do know this: I could build a future if there are others that are waiting to care and gutting Medicare, we wanted that my daughter would love and my be heard here on the floor. And those of to spend in year 7 on Medicare $289 bil- son would hate. So our side says return us who are not on the list anymore, I lion. The President wants to spend $294 those choices to the people, let them lost my turn, I am willing to wait until billion. That is not a large difference. keep more of the dollars in their pock- all the rest of them are finished. It can be bridged easily. ets, and 260 million Americans acting Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, will the We want to grow the spending in this in their own behalf hundreds of times gentleman yield? budget by 3 percent. The President every day will shape the future, and it Mr. VOLKMER. I yield to the gen- wants to grow it by 4 percent. We want will be one with which most of them tleman from Georgia. to use numbers that presume an in- will be happy, Mr. Speaker. Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, what we crease in revenues of 5 percent. The This is not about money. It is about are trying to do, under unanimous con- President wants numbers that would the direction in the country. It is very H 15264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 serious, and I am prepared to stay here So, Mr. Speaker, they came together wanted to, first, applaud Mr. until we are done. and agreed on those basic principles in Feuerstein for what he has done. I have f order to get to the negotiation table. not met him personally, but I have The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Now revolutionary NEWT GINGRICH is called to congratulate him and offer COBLE). Under a previous order of the saying, ‘‘Unless you agree to gut Medi- assistance, and I think it is something House, the gentleman from Arizona care and Medicaid, I don’t want to that all of us nationally do across the [Mr. SHADEGG] is recognized for 5 min- play, I don’t want to negotiate,’’ and so country. Any time there is a tragedy utes. we are past December 15 now, the Gov- like that, we all pull together. ernment is closed down, we cannot get [Mr. SHADEGG addressed the House. I would disagree with my colleague a continuing resolution, and the revo- His remarks will appear hereafter in from Massachusetts though in just lutionary will not go back to the nego- the Extensions of Remarks.] what enables a very generous employer tiating table. f to do what was done in this particular That is where we are, my colleagues. case. In the case of the United States STOP THE REVOLUTION That is what it is all about. I am con- we have had a deficit in this country The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a vinced that this really is a revolution; I just did not think it would be so ex- now for 26 consecutive years. If any previous order of the House, the gentle- company had run a deficit for 26 con- woman from California [Ms. WATERS] is treme. I never dreamed, not in my wildest imagination did I dream, that secutive years, they could not have of- recognized for 5 minutes. fered employees pay for 30 days, they Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, and revolutionary NEWT GINGRICH would be probably would not even be in business. Members, we just heard from the mi- willing to stop this country dead in its And so the situation for the United nority leader that the negotiations tracks in order to prove that he is a States of America is something that we have broken down, that the talks, rath- revolutionary. have to address because instead of a er, that were going on to try and get So I suppose, when the veterans do one-time immediate calamity, the ca- this Government going have broken not get their paychecks, when people down. I was hopeful, but I guess I am cannot use their public parks, I sup- lamity for the United States has been a not surprised. I am not surprised be- pose when people cannot get passports, long time in coming and will not be re- cause I have kept up and watched very when all of this is taking place, that solved overnight. carefully what has been going on, and I revolutionary NEWT GINGRICH is willing I give people the analogy of the situ- suppose, as I thought about this, I was to sit here and say, ‘‘That’s all right, I ation with the debt in the United reminded that Speaker NEWT GINGRICH want my way.’’ States and why it is so important to said he is a revolutionary and this is a We have seen some of the actions of balance the budget. I compare it to revolution, and I suppose Speaker the revolutionary in the past, and we someone’s personal finances. Imagine GINGRICH is leading a revolution, and in know that the revolutionary gets very that you had four credit cards and you order to do that you must disrupt, you upset when he does not have his way. If had charged the maximum amount you must block, you must impede, you you can recall what happened just a could on each of those four credit must deny, you must do whatever is few weeks ago when there was a plane cards. Well, if you wanted to go and necessary—I guess by any means nec- that went to a most important funeral make payments, you would hope to pay essary—you must even take extreme in Israel, and the revolutionary could down the balance, but if you, instead of means to keep anything from happen- not have his way, he came back, he doing that, you went out and applied ing. I guess that is what revolution is pouted, he made statements, he went for a fifth credit card so you could all about. on and on and on. start paying the other four credit It is unfortunate that the Speaker Mr. Speaker, I hope the revolution- cards, it would not take someone long has decided to lead this revolution ary will stop this revolution on the to figure out that indeed it would be a against the American people. Govern- people and allow Government to work. very quick amount of time before that ment, for all intents and purposes, has f fifth card was also run up and, indeed, stopped. It is closed down. We cannot BALANCING THE BUDGET IS THE the debt would be much, much worse. get a continuing resolution because the MOST IMPORTANT THING WE That is very close to the situation revolutionary has stopped everything. CAN DO where the United States is right now. Now I was led to believe that there It has borrowed and borrowed and bor- were some agreements. Now, if you will The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a rowed. Now the debt is officially just recall, we got a continuing resolution previous order of the House, the gen- below $5 trillion, but if you add all the that carried us up until December 15. tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. money that has been promised to So- How did they get that? They got that TORKILDSEN] is recognized for 5 min- cial Security recipients and others, the because there were some agreements. utes. debt is even larger than that, and at They got together, and the revolution- Mr. TORKILDSEN. Mr. Speaker, I some point there will not be enough ary said, ‘‘Mr. President, if you will appreciate the chance to talk a little money to make all those commitments agree to a 7-year balanced budget and bit. I want to applaud my colleague, which have been made, those things CBO numbers, then we can talk,’’ and the gentleman from Massachusetts which are called mandatory spending, the President, in order to get a con- [Mr. KENNEDY], who was here a few and that is why it is so important that tinuing resolution so that we could minutes ago when he talked about now we take steps necessary to have a keep going, we could keep Government Aaron Feuerstein who runs and owns balanced budget. I am someone who be- open and get on with the negotiations, the Malden Mills in Methuen, the fac- lieves that we could not do it in 1 year; essentially agreed to that. So that is tory that very tragically burnt down I mean even that would be too drastic, off the table, that is already agreed to, and literally hundreds of people, thou- and that is why a 7-year plan is very a 7-year balanced budget and CBO num- sands of people were left without a job. reasonable. If we can do it in 5, all the bers. Several people lost their lives in that better, but a 7-year plan certainly So what is stopping the negotiations? fire, and Mr. Feuerstein very gener- would be very, very positive. The revolutionary GINGRICH also ously, first, committed to rebuild the agreed that he would recognize and re- factory in Massachusetts; second, the Now we are in a situation now where spect our priorities. The President said next day told employees that they we are debating the 7-year balanced to him, ‘‘I cannot allow you to disman- would be paid for at least 30 days and budget, and not too long ago we tle Medicare, I cannot allow you to gut also that their health insurance would thought we had an agreement between Medicaid, I cannot allow you to do be continued for at least 90 days, and in the White House and Congress that we away with education in this country, the holiday season everyone in Massa- would use Congressional Budget Office and we must, we must, protect the en- chusetts appreciated that. Even though numbers, that we would protect certain vironment.’’ the factory is not in my district, many things like Medicare, education, the And the revolutionary, NEWT GING- of my constituents work in the that environment, provide for an adequate RICH, said, ‘‘All right, we will respect factory because it neighbors the Sixth defense, provide for fair tax policy for that.’’ District of Massachusetts, and I just working families, and even though we December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15265 thought we had that agreement, the ing forward to something. Also we have means we want to invest in education. White House did not respond with Con- feeling of caring and feeling of respon- I hear my colleagues get up and say, gressional Budget Office numbers, and sibility, feeling of families and friends. ‘‘You know, I want my grandkids to instead came back and said, well, no we I would just ask you, what joy is there grow up in a society where they do not have what is called a rosy scenario, we to the more than 250,000 Federal em- have to pay all of this debt.’’ think everything is going to be better. ployees who we are holding hostage I have three grandkids too. I want Indeed when you cannot even agree on this Christmas because of our failure to my three grandkids to grow up so they the parameters, it is very difficult to pass budgets? Why should we make do not have to pay for a lot of debt, have negotiations if one side comes to them victims of the fight that we have too, but I also want my grandkids and the table with apples and the other side going on? Certainly does not seem to other peoples’ grandkids—I happen to comes to the table with oranges, and be in the spirit of Christmas, it cer- be privileged, and have been not be- you cannot figure out why you cannot tainly is not consistent with religious cause I came to Congress, but because have any type of negotiation. I think it feelings of that. I just happened to be, but I know there is probably because the two sides have In terms of responsibility, who is re- are those who are not. America is not come to the table with different meas- sponsible for the situation? One would just great because of its defense, its ures of what they are talking about. say that, well, the President is the technology. America is also great be- That is why I think that resolution, only one standing between American cause it makes a place for those who the continuing resolution we have people and a balanced budget. Truth be are least among us. We are also great voted for, was so important, and I known, as far as the shutdown, it is because we have a sense of compassion. would call on the White House to go Congress’ responsibility. On October 1 I would say to you, I do not know a back to its agreement and say please we were to have a budget, and we did better time to show compassion other live up to your agreement. If you do not have that budget reconciliation. It than in the Christmas season. Surely, not like the budget that passed the is our fault because we could not come there is no compassion in closing down House and Senate, and that is your op- to that. Government. Veterans may not get tion, please submit your own balanced What is this debate about? their checks, welfare mothers may not budget using the same estimates. If b 1545 get their checks. Surely there isn’t any you do not want any tax cut, take the What is this debate about? It cer- compassion with those Federal workers tax cut out. If you do not want any de- tainly is not about what the Repub- who will not know whether, indeed, fense spending, take defense spending licans will say over and over again: ‘‘It they will be paid. out. If you want a lower amount of de- is about balancing the budget, about I think, Mr. Speaker, our colleagues fense spending, put in a lower amount balancing the budget in 7 years.’’ It need to know the spirit of Christmas is of defense spending. But please submit could not be about that because the the spirit of joy, caring, and respon- your own balanced budget so we can majority have already agreed upon sibility. We have been ill responsible, have a comparison and we can actually that. and I certainly know we have not been have legitimate negotiations. Why do they repeat that? Simply to compassionate. Now a lot of people say, well, the confuse or to persuade the American f Government shut down at least some people that the debate is not about real departments; is that not the fault of issues, is not about who wins and who THE SPIRIT OF GIVING, AND THE the Congress? Well, the President was loses, it is not about our commitment sent the appropriations bill for the In- DIFFICULTY IN MAKING TOUGH to compassion, it is not about whether BUDGET DECISIONS terior Department, and he vetoed that. the wealthy succeed at the expense of That was his option, but if he had the poor. It is not about our lack of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. signed it, the Interior Department commitment or commitment to the en- COBLE). Under a previous order of the would be open now. The President vironment or education. They would House, the gentleman from Michigan would sign the appropriations bill that rather have you think of this principle [Mr. SMITH] is recognized for 5 minutes. covered the Veterans Administration. that they are willing to die on the Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speak- If he had signed that, the VA would be sword for and say, ‘‘We promise, now, er, it is a season to be very conscious of opened now. He choose to veto it. The and we are going to keep our promise, giving and what we can do for other President was sent the appropriations come hell or high water.’’ people. It seems to me that the Presi- bill for Housing and Urban Develop- What they are saying to you, Ameri- dent and some of the Democrats feel ment. He vetoed that bill as well, and cans, is that ‘‘We will allow you to die they are gaining politically by calling HUD remains closed. He was sent the on the sword. So we get our provision, Republicans mean-spirited in their ef- appropriations bill for the Commerce or what we perceive to be, we are will- forts to whether we are going to reduce Department. He vetoed that bill, and ing to allow 250,000 employees to have the growth of Government and end up Commerce is closed. Also with the De- no Christmas.’’ That is what they are with a balanced budget. It is easy for partment of Justice and the Depart- saying. They are not standing up for the President, I think, and some of the ment of State. principle. They are saying, ‘‘It is my Democrats to say they want a balanced I would call on the President to sub- way or no way.’’ No compassion in that budget, but it is hard to come up with mit an honest balanced budget so we position, and certainly nothing to be the specific cuts and reductions in can balance the budget for our chil- lofty about. growth that are necessary to achieve dren’s future. That is the most impor- This whole idea that a balanced that balanced budget. tant thing we can do. budget is sacrosanct escapes me. A bal- If we are going to give a present, it f anced budget is because it makes sense seems very, very important that we to balance the budget, but we balance start considering the tremendous obli- HOLIDAY SPIRIT IN THE the budget how? I was told if I want to gations that we are putting on our kids CONGRESS; WHERE IS IT? make a good living, I want to be honor- and our grandkids by spending the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a able. I can make a living several ways, money today to satisfy what we con- previous order of the House, the gentle- but I would rather do it in an honest sider our today’s problems with money woman from North Carolina [Mrs. way. It is as important how we balance they have not even earned yet, so we CLAYTON] is recognized for 5 minutes. the budget as to balance the budget. are obligating them to pay our today’s Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I would It is important in my sight if those bills. I think all of us, collectively, remind our colleagues in the spirit of Americans who are senior citizens have must believe that their problems are Christmas and the observation of Ha- the opportunity at the end of their going to be as difficult and as great as nukkah there are certain words or feel- lives to make sure that they are not our problems today, if not greater. ings that come to us. There are feelings frustrated and in pain because of lack It seems to me that there are two of joy. In fact, the whole religious ex- of health care. It is important in my things that are going to have to happen perience of being a Christian is the ad- life to think that I would like to pre- before we can break this budget im- vent, is the spirit of expectation, look- pare for the future, and the future passe: First, the President is going to H 15266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 have to stop playing politics, and doing the Budget. He said: ‘‘Look, if you guys eating for a week until mom and dad what is right for the future of our and gals do it in Congress, if you bal- can get together on a decision. You sit country. I think that is sort of what he ance the budget, interest rates will be down and you start talking and you is doing. He sees his poll numbers gain- going down 11⁄2 to 2 percent.’’ Such a talk until there is a solution, but you ing by saying, ‘‘No, I am not going to dramatic increase in the economy. also do not say ‘‘Well, our youngest son allow these cuts.’’ Let us do it now. Let us stick to our just got married. He has a mortgage, I think here is the other second op- guns, if we have to stay here every day. he is in trouble. We are going to cut tion, that the American people spend I am hoping I am going to spend him. Our two other kids in college, we some really tough, hard studying time Christmas Eve and Christmas with my are pulling them out. Our oldest kid is learning about the budget of the U.S. family. Other than that, I say, let us in Beverly Hills, living in a $10 million Government, and what it is really stay here every day, negotiate, get this mansion. Do you know what we are doing to their future, what it is doing done, have a budget that balances, and going to do? We are going to send that to their future standard of living, what gives our kids and our grandkids a child a little extra money.’’ That is not it is doing to their obligation they are good Christmas present. how you run a family, that is not how going to have when they start paying f you run a business. The responsibilities off this debt. that we have in this institution are not THE BUDGET IMPASSE Mr. Speaker, it has been politically simply to take our ball and go home if damaging to many Republicans to go The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a we do not get it our way. home, because the PR battle has prob- previous order of the House, the gen- Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speak- ably, there has been greater success on tleman from Connecticut [Mr. GEJDEN- er, will the gentleman yield? the part of the Democrats in saying SON] is recognized for 5 minutes. that, ‘‘Look, Republicans are taking Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, there Mr. GEJDENSON. I yield to the gen- away school lunches, they are going to are a couple of issues that I think need tleman from Michigan. put poor people out on the streets,’’ to be focused in on. The first is that Mr. SMITH of Michigan. My under- and so when we go home, it is politi- the outlays in this year’s budget are standing is that the gentleman from cally damaging. virtually the same between the Presi- Ohio [Mr. KASICH] and the gentleman Let me tell you, Democrats, Mr. dent’s budget and the Republican Con- from Georgia [Mr. GINGRICH] say every- President, if we do not succeed this go- gress’ budget. Would the gentleman thing is on the negotiating table except around in achieving a balanced budget agree with that? The gentleman agrees a true, real balanced budget in 7 years. and start living within our means, my with that. So what we are doing is we Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, what guess is there are not going to be poli- are shutting down Government on no we have seen is that the one place your ticians willing to even try it again for difference; a 7-year difference, but in side has refused to budge on is the tax the next 15 or 20 years. It is not easy. the meantime, we are causing injury to break. We have even said, bring the tax On the other hand, it is so easy for the American citizens. break down to working families. Get President and some of the Democrats On the other hand, what we could rid of the guys at the top, the people to say, ‘‘Look at these mean-spirited simply do is what we have done in the who make $200,000, $300,000 a year, and Republicans as they try cutting this past, to say ‘‘Government will continue then we are closer. ‘‘No, we want to program and cutting that program and to operate even at a lower figure than protect them,’’ is what the Republicans reducing the growth in this other pro- either the Republicans or the President say. gram.’’ It is not politically easy to re- has asked for, and we will continue to duce the growth in Government. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, will the negotiate.’’ The bottom line is this: We either do gentleman yield? Why are we having this impasse? The it now, or we are going to wait until Mr. GEJDENSON. I yield to the gen- impasse is because the Republicans be- the baby boomers start retiring, tleman from Maryland. lieve that they cannot give up their tax around 2011 to 2019. Then we are going Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I say to break; that everything else ought to be to have to do it. If we wait that long to my friend, the gentleman from Michi- discussed: that student loans for kids make these decisions, those decisions gan [Mr. SMITH], you had an oppor- ought to be cut, or worse than ought to are going to be drastic. tunity to do that yesterday. The gen- be cut. On student loans, their proposal Let me just give you one example tleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM], shifts billions of dollars to bankers, that sort of puts it in perspective, the who has been the most outspoken advo- and makes it harder for kids to go to difficulty of making these decisions. If cate of a balanced budget on this floor school by ending the direct loan pro- it was easy, we would have made the in either party, I suggest to you, and in gram. decisions a long time ago. If you go fact it was the Stenholm constitu- They say that seniors ought to pay back to after World War II, there were tional amendment that passed this more for health care; that poor people 45 people working for every 1 Social Se- House this year, as the gentleman get no health care at all, possibly; that curity retiree recipient. Today there knows who got up on the floor yester- seniors get thrown out of nursing are three people working for every one day and said, ‘‘Let us defeat the pre- homes; that the environment is de- retiree. People are living longer. The vious question, put the coalition budg- graded. But let me tell you something; ratio of those working to those retired et on the floor with an open rule.’’ one thing they will not talk about is is becoming greater, and therefore, The coalition budget, as you know, more difficult to charge more to those why we cannot shrink the tax break for cuts more money than the Republican working in taxes to pay for some of the billionaires. budget that we passed. It has less of a benefits of those that are retired. We Mr. Speaker, $245 billion in tax deficit. Next year, the year after, as a have increased the FICA tax 29 times breaks, that is what is holding this matter of fact, as you know, your in the last 21 years, in either the rate process up. The difference between hav- budget has a very substantial deficit in or the base, so we continue to tax those ing people go to work and people not the first 2 years. It does not cut taxes. that are working more and more to pay working is whether or not the tax It preserves, as the President has indi- for our overspending. break is sacrosanct. Mr. Speaker, what The interest on the national debt is going to happen here? Some 3.3 mil- cated, Medicare and Medicaid at num- this last year was $320 billion, the in- lion veterans who have their checks bers that the President, I believe, could terest on the total debt, subject to the due on December 29 may not get them. sign. It is a cut, as you know, substan- debt limit. That is the largest expendi- We are having problems in the North- tial, more than some on my side could ture of the Federal Government. We east with cold weather and snow. Pro- support, but the fact of the matter is cannot go on, Mr. Speaker, we cannot grams that help the needy are going to every Republican Member voted continue to overspend and run this be cut and stopped so that the against allowing that on this floor. country deeper and deeper into debt, greediest among us can be benefited. Mr. SMITH of Michigan. That is not and jeopardize the success, the eco- Let us think about how you run a true. Some Republicans voted for it. nomic success of the future. family. If you have a family and there Only 60-some Democrats voted for it. Mr. Greenspan, our top banker in this is a crisis, you call the family together. Mr. HOYER. I stand corrected, it was country, came to our Committee on You do not tell the kids they are not four. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15267 b 1600 house. It would not be unusual today to lican budget, the deficit goes up, it UNINTERRUPTED NEGOTIATIONS have a mortgage for, say, $100,000. The does not go down. This whole idea that FOR BALANCED BUDGET economists tell us that the interest on they are saying, we want a balanced mortgage rates would be reduced by budget now, I have heard that so many The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a about 2.2 percent a year, in other times on this floor: We want a balanced previous order of the House, the gen- words, coming down from an average of budget now. Baloney. tleman from New Jersey [Mr. SAXTON] about 8 percent to about 6 percent; and There is no balanced budget now. is recognized for 5 minutes. that would be pretty neat, amounting Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, earlier They are talking about down the road, to a savings of $1,456 a year for a fam- and it is all projected; and all kinds of this afternoon the House Republican ily. That is not bad by anybody’s Conference passed by a unanimous ma- things can happen in that 7 years, and standards. you will not have a balanced budget. jority a resolution calling on Speaker It is not unusual also for middle-class Mr. Speaker, as one who was here in GINGRICH and Leader DOLE to proceed families to have students in school, and 1981, I can remember another group of with uninterrupted negotiations until it is not unusual for them to have a people, including former President this budget matter is resolved. loan to send that student to school. If Reagan saying, under my budget in 4 I would like to be home with my fam- we got that interest rate reduction be- years, it is going to be balanced. It is ily, as I am sure all of you would, but cause we balanced the budget, families going to be balanced. Guess what, I think there are some matters that would save an additional $50 a year. folks? Guess what? We had the largest take precedence from time to time, and It is not unusual for families to have deficit in the history of this country in in this case in a historic time, over car loans, either; $15,000 would be a that fourth year. matters of personal interest. This is a modest car loan today, and if we got matter of personal interest to many that 2 percent reduction in interest be- Now, all of this yakity-yak, that is Americans across the country. cause we balanced the budget, the fam- all it is, that in 7 years we are going to Now, when we talk about the na- ily would save an additional $108 a have a balanced budget, that is a bunch tional debt and that it is $5 trillion, it year. of yak-yak, a bunch of baloney. There is kind of easy for people’s eyes to Now, part of the Republican tax cut is no truth to it at all. They do not glaze over because none of us can re- package that the Democrats have re- know for sure that it is going to be bal- late to a sum of money that is that ferred to here as cuts for the rich, part anced. If we have a recession next year, large. So sometimes we say, well, if of that package, a substantial part of and I dare say, the way this majority is you divided it by 280 million, you could that package, is a $500-per-child tax going under our imperious Speaker, see how much that is for each man, credit; and so if our family that we are NEWT GINGRICH, the way it is going woman, and child in the country. Of talking about had one child, they right now, we could very easily have a course, that number of $18,000 for each would save an additional $500 because recession next year. Because in my of us, our share of the responsibility; they would get the child deduction. opinion, if our President stands where I but that is somewhere off somewhere So all of these things added together, think he should stand, and the Repub- else, and we do not have to worry abut plus what we might anticipate in high- licans stay where they say they are it immediately. er wages and more jobs, which could going to stay, we are going to hit the I would say to all of my colleagues on produce an economic growth which debt limit sometime in January, and both sides of the aisle, it is important some estimate could be just under $200 then we will see what happens to inter- to stay here and keep these negotia- a year for this family, another $194, all est rates. tions going, which I am convinced we adding up to over $2,300 a year in sav- Then we will see what happens on in- are going to do, because April 15 comes ings for the family. terest rate. Because of activity of this around every year, and look at it this So if we balance the budget and peo- Republican blackmail position of the way: If you went to the bank or if I ple did not have to send their $1,200 to majority, and that is just what it is, a went to the bank to get a loan and, let Washington for each member of the blackmail position, you could very well us say, I borrowed $18,000 and the bank family to pay interest on the national end up with a recession this next year. was kind enough to make that loan to debt, and if we arrived at savings some- I will guarantee you, going back in me, they would charge me interest, and thing like this, we would have a very history again, going back and remem- that interest probably would be in the significant savings for each family. bering our great President Ronald neighborhood of 6 or 7 or 8 percent, de- That is why it is important to balance Reagan, in 1982, folks, I do not know pending on conditions at the time. And the budget. That is why we released how many of you remember, guess that would cost me, if it were 7 per- this JEC report. what happened? Because of his tight cent, that would cost me $1,260 a year We would be happy to send it out to money policy, because of the Reagan as an individual in interest. any Member or anyone else who wants tight money policy, we had a huge, a Now, I would submit to you that this report, simply by calling my of- horrendous recession. when America’s families sit down at fice. We had parts of this country, includ- the kitchen table and fill out their in- f come tax forms each year, they write a ing my district, parts of my district, 13 check for the interest on $18,000, which RECESSION LIKELY FOR 1996 and 14 percent unemployment. Govern- is probably about 7 percent, and send The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ment revenues just went to pot, went the check for each member of the fam- previous order of the House, the gen- way down. Expenditures, because of all ily for $1,260 to Washington, DC, so tleman from Missouri [Mr. VOLKMER] is of those people being out of work, went that we can pay our interest on the na- recognized for 5 minutes. up. The deficit went way, real high, tional debt. So it is something that Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, it has and what was the other part of that families relate to, and it is something been interesting to listen to the var- deficit? Well, remember the old theory that has a monetary pocketbook-type ious speakers today, especially from that we could really stimulate the importance to American families. this side of the aisle, talking about economy with a big tax cut? You have Recently the Joint Economic Com- how they are going to balance the heard that again, too. That was Rea- mittee did a report, and published it, budget. gan’s cause of the big recession. on further costs to the American fam- Earlier today we had a gentleman A guy named Bush, remember him? ily. This chart represents the cost of from Colorado [Mr. MCINNIS], and I Back when he was running in 1980, he not balancing the budget to each think it was a slip of the tongue, I hope called it voodoo economics. They are American family for things other than so, but we will find out what is in the playing the same game all over again. interest on the national debt, an addi- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD tomorrow, and Voodoo economics did not work then; tional $2,308. Let me just suggest how he says that we are going to have about it is not going to work again, and this we got to that figure. a $200 or $300 billion deficit this year. whole idea that this is all because we Most families have a mortgage on Next year, he says, next year, we are are going to help our children at the their house; not everybody, but most going to have a balanced budget. Well, same time you are going to tell chil- families have a mortgage on their baloney. Next year under the Repub- dren they cannot eat, they are not H 15268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 going to get enough to eat, the poor for environment, for education, for sen- more tragic. A native of Lorain, Steve kids, the school lunches, the food ior citizens, for health care, more believed in giving back to his commu- stamps, we are going to take care of money, in many cases, a high percent- nity. He worked diligently in my cam- our kids because we are going to bal- age of increase in the spending. paign in 1994. Prior to that, he had ance the budget. That is a pipe dream. Why have we not reached a budget worked at the Nord Family Foundation They say, according to their projec- then? Why have we not reached an that supports social services in Lorain tions they are going to balance the agreement? Well, the White House is County. budget. Let us be truthful about it. Ac- too interested in talking about talking. Steve Roulette believed in public cording to the projections of CBO, you They do not want to talk about any- service in the best sense of the term. are going to balance the budget in 7 thing specific; they only want to talk He always had a twinkle in his eye and years. Well, folks, you have not taken about how we are going to talk about a passion in his voice when he talked the time to look at those projections. the specifics if and when we can get to about commitment, when he talked You need to do that. You need to look the specifics if the President is in town about involvement, when he talked at those projections, and if you do not and if it can be done, and it is on and about helping his fellow men and fellow agree with them, like I do not agree on like that; and then the President women. He cared deeply about his fam- with them, and I do not agree with the makes an agreement with the leader- ily and passionately about his commu- cuts in Medicare and all of those ship, and before they can get back to nity. the Capitol, he sends the Vice Presi- things, you are not going to have a bal- So many in Lorain whom Steve’s life dent out and reneges on every agree- anced budget. They are not going to touched were so saddened by his un- have a balanced budget, but yet they ment. The American people are surprised, I timely death. I would like to offer at want to shut down the Government. this Christmas season my sincere con- f think, about all this talking and no ac- tion. They want something to happen, dolences to his family. Steve left be- BALANCED DEBATE GOOD FOR and so does this caucus. And that is hind his fiancee Denise, his parents BALANCED BUDGET why the Republicans have said, no Orah and Kathryn, his stepmother Alice, his brother Alan, and his sister The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a more temporary spending, Mr. Presi- Angela. As a father of two young previous order of the House, the gen- dent. Come to the table. The budget daughters, I cannot begin to imagine tleman from Illinois [Mr. EWING] is rec- could be put together before Christmas. their grief but my thoughts and pray- ognized for 5 minutes. There is only one viable document on ers are with his family and his friends Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I come the table, and that is the Republican during this holiday season. here to this floor to add a little balance version that we have worked on for to the debate. The rhetoric that you months; no one else has one that is so f have heard from the other side of the complete, and changes can be made in aisle, I think has been very strong, that. Within 2 days the President and many times stretching the believ- the leadership of this Congress, if they WELCOMING A NEW REPUBLICAN, ability of almost anyone who would be would stay at it continuously, would THE BUDGET, AND NATIONAL listening. I think the American people have a budget and we would be on the DEFENSE BILL can see through this debate. road to balancing the budget; we would be on the road to funding social pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a The last speaker, my good colleague previous order of the House, the gen- from Missouri, has a selective memory. grams in this country, yes, at a higher level, and we would be on the road to a tleman from Georgia [Mr. CHAMBLISS] His selective memory forgot about the is recognized for 5 minutes. Carter administration and double-digit balanced budget. Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I was inflation, unemployment, and interest b 1615 not aware of the situation the gen- rates. He can go back only a little I do not think that we could give the tleman from Ohio [Mr. BROWN] had ref- ways, and of course I would have to de- American people a better Christmas erence to there, but I commend him for fend Ronald Reagan, who had a very present, if we would put away the taking the floor to recognize this liberal, a very spending Congress who cruel, mean-spirited, yes, the rhetoric young man and all our best wishes for certainly never helped to balance the from the other side, and sit down and this holiday season go out to his fam- budget. start talking about the issues. We are ily. The time has come to try and bal- here, we are ready to do that. We will ance the budget. We know we have a Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk on a cou- stay ready to do that right through the ple of things here. First of all, I had a tough job to do it even in 7 years. But holiday if necessary, so that we can ac- this party, the Republican Party in very special point of pride today when complish what is good for America, and I received a phone call from my home- this Congress is dedicated to doing to it at this time of good will, this that. town advising me that in spite of all Christmastime when we all should be the lambasting of Republicans by folks I want to talk about the shutdown. thinking not only of our families but We have heard some very, very strong on the other side, that this morning what we can do for our neighbors and the sheriff of my county, the Honorable words about the shutdown and revolu- everyone in our society. tion. Well, many people back in the Billy Howell, a two-term Democratic f country do not realize any of Govern- incumbent, switched to the Republican ment is shut down, and the part that is IN MEMORY OF STEVE ROULETTE Party. shut down, if we look at it, we might The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I commend Sheriff Howell on what I think is a very wise decision for him. I say, those employees have the best of COBLE). Under a previous order of the all worlds. They will probably get paid House, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. welcome him to the party. He is a good friend, and I know will continue to and have the week off before Christ- BROWN] is recognized for 5 minutes. mas. I do not think that is so mean- Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, as serve the people of my county in a Re- spirited to those employees. Americans celebrate the holiday sea- publican manner the same as he did in Then we have to look at why we have son with their families and friends, my a Democratic manner. even a partial shutdown of Govern- thoughts turn to the family of a young I cannot help but make one quick ment. Well, most of it is because the man in my district in my hometown of comment about my good friend, and he President vetoed the spending bills Lorain, OH. is truly my good friend, who serves on that we sent to him. He did not like This Christmas season will be an es- the Committee on Agriculture with those; they were not spending enough. pecially difficult time for Steven Rou- me, the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Very basically, the disagreement be- lette’s family. Steve, a seemingly very VOLKMER], who was critical of the Re- tween the President’s budget and Con- healthy 23-year-old, was playing bas- publican budget, saying that our budg- gress’ budget is that we want to spend ketball with friends when he collapsed. et is not a balanced budget because it $3 trillion less over the next 7 years. He died a short time later. does not balance the budget now. Well, We are going to spend more on every It is always disturbing when a young by golly, we could balance the budget program of importance to this country person dies. In Steve’s case it was even now but the best way to do that is to December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15269 cut out all congressional pay and send That Christmas present will be a 2.4- But as these troops leave this coun- all of us home. That would certainly go percent increase in their pay. try, millions of American citizens are a long way toward balancing the budg- Another thing that this bill does is it asking, what about the other parts of et now. provides a 5.2-percent increase in what our Government? We know these Everybody understands we cannot we call BAQ housing allowance. What troops are going to operate efficiently balance the budget now. We presented BAQ housing allowance is, it is a provi- and effectively and carry out their mis- a budget that will balance the budget sion which pays to military personnel a sion. Why are not other parts of Gov- of this country in the year 2002. Every- certain amount of money to allow ernment? body knows and understands that, I them to rent an apartment or rent a Why do we have parts of our Govern- hope, and I hope the gentleman from home that is off the military base ment shut down? That is a fair ques- Missouri [Mr. VOLKMER] will better un- where they are serving. tion. We are now in our 11th day cumu- derstand that. He said he has been here If we do not have military housing on lative this year, the Federal Govern- since 1981 and frankly that is part of base, a lot of times our personnel are ment or parts of the Federal Govern- the problem. We have had too many required to go off base, and we provide ment not working. That is an all-time people who have been here too long, them some money to do that with. It is record, I believe, for the Republic, cer- who have spent too much money over never enough to fully fund what it tainly for this century. the years and, by golly, it is just time costs for an apartment or a house but we stopped spending so much money. it does help out. We provide an increase There are two parts really that have I really got up here, though, to talk in that. Mr. President, that increase is to be dealt with. Unfortunately the two about another matter that I am ex- needed. I urge you to sign it. processes have been brought together tremely excited about and something Another thing we do is we equalize by the leadership of this House. One that took place on the floor of this the retired military COLA’s to retired part is the annual budget, what you do House several days ago, and that is the civilian COLA’s. That is something to fund the Government on a day-to- passage of the national Defense author- that is an extremely important aspect day basis for a year at a time, for the ization conference report. The report of this bill. Mr. President, I urge you to fiscal year 1996. passed in the House, it also passed in look at this bill. If for no other reason The other part is the budget debate the Senate yesterday, and it is headed than from these standpoints, please that is taking place in negotiations be- to the White House as we speak. sign the Defense authorization bill. tween the White House and the Repub- The President has given every indica- f licans and Democrats in the House and tion that he is going to use the same the Senate for a 7-year balanced budg- THE BUDGET PROCESS veto pen that he used on several other et. Running the Government day-to- authorization bills and veto this bill. I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a day, one process. Balanced budget, the hope he changes his mind. I want to en- previous order of the House, the gen- next. Regrettably, the leadership under courage him to change his mind, be- tleman from West Virginia [Mr. WISE] Speaker GINGRICH have chosen to tie cause in my opinion the national De- is recognized for 5 minutes. these two inextricably, and so the Gov- fense authorization conference report BOSNIA ernment is held hostage while these that we passed in the House, has been Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, let me pick important negotiations take place. passed in the Senate, is a good bill. It up where the previous speaker left off So what happens to those who say, is not a perfect bill. There are a lot of in the sense of talking about Bosnia for well, really are we seeing much of a ways that perhaps we could improve it. a second. The first West Virginians are shutdown in Government? Yes, we are But it is a good bill, and it does a lot now passing through Fort Dix, NJ, Mr. seeing cumulative right now about of things that are absolutely necessary Speaker, en route to Bosnia. from the standpoint of the national se- As Reserve units are called up and 60,000 students who will not be able to curity of this country that have needed others are activated and, of course, ac- fill out applications for Pell grants and to be done for many years. tive duty, I think it is most likely that other student loans as the next semes- First of all, one thing this bill does is we will see a lot of West Virginians ter comes on. We are seeing thousands give all of our active military person- going to Bosnia. West Virginians al- who had vacation plans turned away. nel a pay raise. Admittedly, it is only ways answer the call. Certainly the C– Well, vacation plans, is that very im- 2.4 percent, I wish it could have been 24 130 squadrons, the 167th in Martinsburg portant? No, but what about people percent, but it does give the military and the 130th in Charleston, are just who call the EPA hot line for drinking personnel of this country an immediate about everywhere on the globe anytime water violations and want some assur- pay raise. there is a problem. They have been to ances about the environment? We are I am very pleased, when I go on the Bosnia as well before. finding that those folks are not going three military bases that are located in And so at this Christmas time we to have their calls answered. my district and have an opportunity to need to reflect on what is happening, When this leadership, the Republican talk to the young men and women, all and as these West Virginia troops pass leadership, took over in the spring, I of whom are volunteers in the military, through Fort Dix and as the others ac- complimented them, not because I when I talk to those young men and tivate or are shipped out. agreed with the Contract with Amer- women and find out that without ques- I voted against the initial military ica, but I thought that they brought it tion they are absolutely the finest involvement, not because I questioned to the floor in an orderly way and in a young men and women that America the good intentions of the policy, and very purposeful way and they moved it has to offer. It gives me a real sense of certainly it is well-intentioned, but I through quickly. It was not much fun pride, and I am extremely proud of questioned whether or not the military for anybody but they did it. They dem- those young men and women. If any- would have the ability and means to onstrated an ability to command the body deserves a pay raise at this very carry it out. floor. difficult time in our budget process, it That question has been answered in is the men and women in military serv- an affirmative vote here on the House. Unfortunately I have to say, in the ice. The decision has been made. The troops same vein, I have seen a total break- Right now here we are at Christmas- are going, and we must now all stand down of that ability in the appropria- time. Here we are dealing with a very behind our troops and I am going to tions process. I recognize this is a com- serious crisis in a very cold and distant make sure they have whatever is nec- plicated area. It sounds like it ought to land called Bosnia, a country which a essary to carry out their mission. just be beltway gobbledygook except lot of folks in this country had never I am encouraged by the fact that the for this. heard of before 30 or 60 days ago. We rules of engagement for these troops The appropriations process is very are sending 20,000 of our finest to are different than we have seen in So- important. We have 13 appropriation Bosnia at this time of year. The Presi- malia, than we have seen in other bills that fund the Government on a dent has an opportunity to give those areas, where we have now the ability to yearly basis. October 1 is the deadline folks a very special Christmas present, hit back and hit back hard should our to get them all passed. We had a hand- to say thank you for a job well done. troops be threatened in any way. ful at best, three or four, that had H 15270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 passed and been signed into law on Oc- the Departments of Commerce, State, in 7 years, using the Congressional tober 1. and Justice, those are contained in Budget Office economic projections, al- By just this week, I believe we now three bills that the President vetoed. If though the Congressional Budget Office have seven that have been signed into the President of the United States had was expected to, and I believe has, con- law. We still have six, and they are signed the appropriations bills for sulted with other agencies and other fairly big ones, that have not been those agencies, they would be open individuals, and protect certain spend- signed into law. Some of them have not right now regardless of the impasse ing programs. The Congress passed a even been taken up by the other body. over a continuing resolution. budget that the Congress believes I yield to the gentleman from Illinois Now, it is important to say that the meets all of those requirements. [Mr. DURBIN], a member of the Com- Democratic side has continually said Now, I do not agree with every single mittee on Appropriations. why does the Congress not do its job item and every single choice in that Mr. DURBIN. I would like to report to and pass appropriations bills, but when budget. But the Congress as a whole, my colleague from West Virginia that I we do pass appropriations bills, the the majority, believes that it meets the just left the conference committee on President vetoes them. requirements of our agreement of a the District of Columbia. The gen- The gentleman is suggesting that is month ago. tleman would not believe what is going up to the President of the United As everyone knows, the President ve- on there. States to sign appropriations bills as toed that budget, vetoed it on the basis The Republicans have failed to enact part of his duties. I do not think they it did not adequately protect his spend- the District of Columbia appropria- are going to suggest that. ing priorities. Again, that is the Presi- tions bill which was due October 1. We I would like to make the further dent’s prerogative. are now almost 3 months into this fis- point, Mr. Speaker, that the President What the Congress is saying now is, cal year. The District of Columbia Gov- vetoed these bills, these three bills be- Mr. President, if you believe that the ernment, their local funds as well as cause he felt the amount of spending or budget we passed does not comply with Federal funds, are all appropriated other policies within them does not fit your priority of spending, show us what funds, so this government is literally his long-term view of where the Gov- your priority of spending is under the running without authority. ernment should be going. The Presi- terms of an agreement; in other words, In providing police protection, they dent has that prerogative under the put out a budget proposal which is bal- are trying to keep the streets safe for Constitution to veto appropriations anced in 7 years and which uses Con- us to drive on, they are trying to keep bills, or any other bills, for that mat- gressional Budget Office economic pro- the community as safe as they can for ter. There is a specific procedure in the jections, and then show us how you the tourists who are visiting Washing- Constitution for that. would protect your priorities. There is ton, and some of my colleagues who The point I am making is there is no nothing in that that says how the have just joined me on the floor here difference, no difference at all, between President of the United States has to from the State of Georgia as well as the President tying long-term policy to set spending levels. There is nothing in from the State of Wisconsin blame his vetoing three appropriations bills there that says he has to cut spending President Clinton for this. They said which would have reopened those agen- for programs or anything else, only the President is responsible, and yet cies today and the Congress tying the that the President of the United States the fact is we have not sent the appro- continuing resolution for the rest of abide by the agreement he made a priation bill to the President, almost 3 the agencies or these agencies, too, month ago. months into this fiscal year. without an appropriations bill to Con- Today the Vice President of the Unit- f gress’ view of a long-term policy for ed States said the President refuses to the Government. Both sides are now comply with the agreement he made a A REPUBLICAN VIEW OF THE doing the same thing. BUDGET PROCESS month ago, and that is why we are at The brings me to the central point of this impasse right now. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a where why I took the floor right now, previous order of the House, the gen- which is to talk about that long-range f tleman from New Mexico [Mr. SCHIFF] policy. Both sides, both the President and the Congress, have said we want to is recognized for 5 minutes. THE BUDGET IMPASSE Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I want to reach a balanced budget, and I hope take up where the gentleman from that goes without saying. The national The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. West Virginia just left off. That is, debt right now is almost $5 trillion COBLE). Under a previous order of the when we talk about in the short term that our children and grandchildren House, the gentleman from Maryland why is the Government in this partial will have to pay back someday. [Mr. HOYER] is recognized for 5 min- shutdown mode, as it has been called, Further, the interest we have to pay utes. the gentleman is mechanically correct on this borrowed money, and we pay Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, the Amer- when he explains how our systems interest on money we borrow like any ican public must be very perplexed. In work, that a number of agencies are individual would or any business addition, of course, we know that they funded through a total of 13 separate would, the interest we pay is over $200 are very angry and, very frankly, a appropriations bills, and of those 13 ap- billion a year. That is more than 10 number of us that sit in this body are propriations bills, 7 have been passed percent of our current budget. very angry. by Congress and signed by the Presi- When I talk about the effect, when I We began this session with the elec- dent. hear talk about the effect of spending tion of a new leadership. Speaker GING- on programs, imagine how much we RICH annoiunced a new order, an order b 1630 could spend on important programs or committed to revolutionary change. Once that occurs, there is no longer a allowing tax reductions if we had the We have had, to some degree, a revolu- need for a continuing resolution to be use of $200 billion plus a year that tax- tion. It is not, as so many revolutions passed to keep these agencies open, payers already send to Washington are, not a pretty thing to watch. which is to say the agencies function and, from an economic point of view, The Contract With America, which whether there is or whether there is we throw out the window because in- was the plan of this so-called revolu- not a continuing resolution. terest buys you nothing. But we have tion, talked about, in two of its first However, the gentleman did not men- to pay it in order to borrow more, just three items, responsibility, personal re- tion the fact that with respect to the like anyone else would. sponsibility, and fiscal responsibility. other six appropriations bills, three of When the Government went through Personal responsibility was urged on them were passed by the Congress and this partial shutdown a month ago, the all Americans to do that which would were just recently vetoed by the Presi- Government was reopened under an make their lives better and, con- dent of the United States. The appro- agreement between the President and sequently, the lives of their families priations bill for the Veterans’ Admin- the Congress that said, among other and their communities and their State istration and independent agencies, for things, that by the end of the year the and Nation better and more productive, the Department of the Interior and for parties would reach a balanced budget more successful. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15271 We have been debating that contract PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY President Reagan never thought of for the last 11 months, and very frank- Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I have sending Federal employees home and ly it has not gone very far. One of the a parliamentary inquiry. punishing them and locking them out reasons it has not gone very far is be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- of their job just because he could not cause the Republicans in the Senate tleman will state his parliamentary in- agree with the Congress. Certainly, the could not agree with the Republicans quiry. Democratic Congress never for a mo- in the House. Frankly, the Democrats Mr. VOLKER. Mr. Speaker, is it out ment thought that they would punish have not been able to defeat or pass of order that anyone in this 5-minute Federal employees like that. much on their own. We understand time be given additional time under In 1988 we had the same situation, a that, we are in the minority. unanimous consent? continuing resolution all year. And Now we come to funding Govern- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under now we cannot even get a continuing ment. Personal responsibility would special order speeches extensions of resolution for the 3 days of Christmas, say that each and every one of us ought time are not allowed. for this Christmas weekend. We cannot to share the most efficient and effec- Mr. VOLKMER. I thank the Chair. even get this continuing resolution to tive operations of the people’s Govern- let Federal employees function and to f ment; reduce it, change it, eliminate open up the Government. some activities, do all of that, but en- THE EFFECTS OF THE GOVERN- sure that those activities that we sup- MENT SHUTDOWN ON FEDERAL b 1645 port operate in an efficient and effec- EMPLOYEES tive manner. The Republican leader- Why? Because certain Members on ship has failed miserably in that effort. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the Republican side of the aisle are Because of Democrats? No. In the first previous order of the House, the gen- saying ‘‘It is our way or no way.’’ They instance, when this fiscal year ended tleman from Virginia [Mr. MORAN] is just passed a resolution, I am told it September 30, the Republican leader- recognized for 5 minutes. was unanimous, I cannot believe it was ship had failed to pass any appropria- Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, there is no unanimous because there are good peo- tions bills to fund Government. Not 1 good reason why 260,000 Federal em- ple on the Republican side of the aisle, of the 13. ployees should be shut out of their to say that there will not be a continu- My colleague points out that perhaps jobs, particularly at Christmastime. ing resolution unless the President we passed the legislative bill prior to This is unprecedented to punish Fed- agrees to the entire 7-year balanced the first of October, and that was, of eral employees because they chose to budget. It is wrong, it has got to stop, course, vetoed because the President be civil servants. But that is what this and the American people have to got to thought it unseemly that we take care body is doing. And to do it at Christ- say no, this is not what we want from of ourselves first before we took care of mastime, when virtually all of these our Government. other people’s business, and he made a Federal employees have children, have good point. been looking forward to Christmas, f The Republicans passed a short-term would like to be out shopping after they finish work each day, but they CR that expired, and they had yet to AMERICANS SUPPORT PRESIDENT cannot. They do not know whether pass the appropriation bills that the ON BUDGET IMPASSE President would sign and, indeed, as of they will be paid. today have seven bills that have yet to They are aware of the press con- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. be passed into law. ference that the Speaker had where he COBLE). Under a previous order of the Now, ladies and gentleman, we have alluded to the fact that a great many House, the gentleman from Pennsylva- come to a point where the President, Republican Members of this body, par- nia [Mr. FATTAH] is recognized for 5 President Clinton, the majority leader ticularly freshman, are opposed to re- minutes. BOB DOLE, and the Speaker, NEWT imbursing Federal employees for this Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I do not GINGRICH, sat down together at the period of time when they have been rise as normally when Members ask for White House last night and said, ‘‘As locked out of their jobs. Imagine the an opportunity to revise their remarks reasonable people, let us work this strain, imagine the anxiety, imagine and extend them. I would like my re- out,’’ and the reports I received this the sadness on the part of their chil- marks to be recorded as I speak them. morning were that the Speaker dren when they see the toll this is tak- In this case, because I think that what thought that was a positive meeting. ing on their parents. we need to focus on is the simplest as- Senator DOLE, the majority leader, I have been told by teachers, by one sertion of the truth. thought that was a reasonable meet- of the principals, in fact, of an elemen- We have a Republican majority that ing. The President of the United States tary school in my district where a lot is trying to sell something that no one thought that that was a positive, pro- of Federal employees send their chil- is buying. The American public has re- ductive meeting, and the three leaders dren, that their children are not acting jected, almost 2 to 1, their budget pro- came out and said, ‘‘We think we have like this is Christmas. Normally, you posal for this Nation. They offer us on a construct to move forward.’’ have pageants and children jumping up one hand a budget that would cut edu- And then what happened? The Repub- and down and squealing with laughter cation, Head Start, Pell Grant opportu- lican freshmen apparently thought and looking forward in anticipation of nities for youngsters to go to college, that was not enough. The Republican Santa Claus. But we have stolen their increase the cost of student loans, and freshmen want a guarantee that the Christmas from them this year, be- cut teacher training programs. President would agree to certain things cause their parents cannot afford to go In every poll that has been done, the that he believes are not in the best in- out and buy presents. Their parents American public indicates that they do terests of this country, cutting Medi- have no reason to be happy. Their par- not agree with this budget. They are care deeply, cutting Medicaid deeply, ents do not know what is going to hap- trying to sell a budget to the President cutting education for young people, pen to them, because it is in our hands. of the United States, and he has vetoed which he believes, and I share his views We control what this Christmas will it. He has said that he will not add his is an investment in the future of Amer- be like for these thousands of Federal signature, he will not join in a conspir- ica, undermining programs that pro- employees. And it is wrong. It does not acy to rob this great country of ours tect our environment. have any reason to be tied to a 7-year from developing its fullest potential. In point of fact, in the last legisla- balanced budget. He will not join in attempts to cut mil- tion we passed to keep Government You know, you look back at history, lions of young people in terms of their working, both parties agreed that that when we have had conflicts between needs, in terms of health care and Med- would be part of it. Unfortunately, Mr. the majority in the Congress and the icaid, to further burden senior citizens Speaker, the freshmen Republicans executive branch, when President and their families when they are in have demanded that Government shut Reagan had a conflict with the Demo- need of nursing home care. So, because down until the President gives up. cratic Congress in 1987, we went the the Nation and the President have re- That is not right. whole year on a continuing resolution. jected their budget product, they have H 15272 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 folded their hands and are now stuck in for our principles, and for the demo- could reasonably reform Medicare and the same position they started out in, cratic majority and for a President Medicaid, not on the backs of senior refusing to compromise, refusing to who has struggled to try to reason with citizens and children who need immu- move toward some shared consensus an unreasonable majority of the Con- nization and preventive health care, about what direction our budget prior- gress. I think we owe President Clinton but really sit down to the table of rea- ities should be as a country. a great degree of gratitude for his lead- son and bargaining. The U.S. Constitution is clear, and ership for our Nation in our hour of But out of this 100 days came a bash- that is that laws have to be passed by need. ing and elmiminating of the environ- the House and the Senate and signed f mental protection laws that most by the President. I am not proud of the Americans, Republicans and Democrats fact that I have been a Member of the REASONS FOR THE BUDGET TURMOIL and Independents have grown to re- least productive Congress in the his- spect, the Clean Water Act and the tory of our country in terms of actu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Clean Air Act, and then the bashing of ally passing legislation that moves on previous order of the House, the gentle- Medicare and Medicaid. to the upper Chamber, or the other woman from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE] body, depending on how you like to is recognized for 5 minutes. We should have had bills passed in phrase it, and then on to the President Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. April. We should have had all the ap- for his signature. Speaker, I think this is an important propriation bills passed by September What we have here is a group of peo- time in this country. Many of our citi- or October 1. But what we have now is ple who are now in the majority that zens are turning toward a very spir- a quagmire of confusion. Republican seems to lack the maturity to be pro- itual time. Many having been in the proposed block grants which go to ductive participants in shaping the midst of celebration of Hanukkah, and States, and when the money runs out course of public policy in our land. So, others who are looking toward a cele- and the needs of the people rise up, as because their budget product has been bration and commemoration of the we find in the natural disasters that rejected by the American people, they birth of Christ. have faced California, Texas, and Flor- have decided to hold hostage 75 percent The value of this Nation is that this ida, among others, that have what we of the U.S. Government domestic pro- holiday will be celebrated differently call natural disasters, we would not be grams. in many homes across this country. It prepared to assist those people. Do you So we come now on the eve of a holi- is the wonderfulness of America, diver- think that is reasonable and the Amer- day season, and many of my colleagues sity of thought and religion, but a Con- ican people want that? have pleaded for sympathy for Federal stitution that applauds differences and We now come to December 20 with no workers. I really would hope that we recognizes the three branches of gov- budget. That is what it is, plain and would understand their plight, but I ernment. I think it is important to tell simple, folks. We had a gimmick called think it is even more a compelling case the American people why we are here a contract. Out of that came one bill to feel sympathy for the misguided pri- today, on December 20, 1995, in the that was passed, and we now have no orities of the Republican majority. midst of turmoil without a budget. budget. And we have people trying to This is a defining moment I believe in This Congress started on January 4, appropriate away America’s values by this Congress. This shows clearly that 1995. I was sworn in as a new freshman, intimidating us, by saying they stand they do not have what it takes in running on the issues of accountability for what America believes in. terms of being able to govern the peo- and accessibility, and yes, responsibil- The President, regardless of what ple’s house, to be responsible and rea- ity, values that I hold very dear and your party may be, has an actual con- sonable in their actions. very near to my heart and to my prin- stitutional right to engage in this proc- So I would ask that as we reflect ciples, and values that I represent to ess. He has sat down with the leaders of upon this moment in time, that we my constituents at every moment in the House and the Senate, and I might would think clearly about the opportu- interacting with them in my district add, if you saw the media accounts, nities that the new year will bring; for visits. and they sure do reflect accurately the American public to think anew But what happened to us that time in many times people’s expressions and about what type of person they would January and February and March? We views, those that came out of the meet- like to have in the U.S. Congress; to were faced with something called a ing said we are on track. think anew about how we can further contract. Oh, it is so well for a while, develop a more perfect union; to think but let me tell you, it was a gimmick. Today we find out about an extremist anew about our responsibilities, as so I do not know of any American who position by freshmen Republicans that eloquently outlined in the Declaration can say to me that they engaged and say all or nothing. We want to take the of Independence and the U.S. Constitu- entered into a contract with anyone $270 billion tax cut right now and we tion, in the preamble where it says to who was elected to the U.S. Congress. will stand on the backs of seniors and promote the general welfare, being our There was some flag waving on the children, Medicaid and Medicare, and essential priority. Capitol steps, and wannabees and oth- we do not want to reason. Yet the We have a lot to be thankful for in ers who were running for Congress at President spoke to the leadership and this land, and one of the things we that time came up and made some sort they said we are ready to sit down. have to be thankful for is that there is of false representations about signing Who is leading the leadership at this an election for Congress every 2 years, some document. But I would venture to point? I am a Democratic freshman, and that we will arrive at a point in say that even constituents in those dis- and I am not going to let some other which the American public will hold tricts did not sign any dotted line. guy take the moral high ground on the trump card, and they will have an Oh, yes, they might have found excit- people in my community, Federal em- opportunity to make choices about ing some very popular political issues ployees who give services, children who what kind of country we really want to that were raised about tort reform and have sicknesses who need Medicaid. We be and what kind of Nation we really crime off the streets, bashing the lib- must come together to recognize polit- want to move toward. erals and other such talk. But that is ical gimmickry goes out the door, lead- I would challenge each of us as we what it was, it was political gim- ership stands up, get a budget, open the continue our work in this body to try mickry. And 37 percent of the people doors of this Government, right now, to be more reasonable, to try to accom- voted, so it was not that exciting any- today. Pass a clean continuing resolu- modate the differences of opinion that how. tion to open the doors of the Govern- truly exist in terms of how to move our But we spent 100 days and more in ment and engage in budget talks that country forward, but always to be pre- turmoil over the so-called contract, I do not ask for $270 billion out of Medi- pared, even in a moment in which we call it on America. In the meantime, care and Medicaid simply to give the lack some degree of comfort, to stand serious health reform did not occur. rich a tax cut. firm for what we believe in, to stand up Many of us came here saying that we That is the moral high ground. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15273 ALL OUT OF PATIENCE b 1700 LET US NOT MAKE THE POOR THE SCAPEGOATS IN BALANCING THE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a And yet somehow people here are BUDGET previous order of the House, the gentle- caving and allowing it to work on the woman from Colorado [Mrs. SCHROE- other side of the aisle. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a DER] is recognized for 5 minutes. They have no credibility. If we can- previous order of the House, the gen- Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, I not get this year’s budget together, tleman from Illinois [Mr. POSHARD] is must say, in my religion we are in the how do we ever anticipate getting to recognized for 5 minutes. season of Advent, and on one of these the next 6 years? So I really hope that Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I am Advent Sundays, we light a patience very soon we can get through to the grateful for the opportunity to come to candle. I fear that patience candle may Republican leadership, that they an- the floor in this special order here. And not even do it for me this year. I have swer the letter so many of us signed, let me say before I begin any of my re- totally lost patience with the extre- that we see a Christmas truce, and we marks that I would consider myself to mism of the New Republican freshmen. at least get our veterans out of the be a fairly moderate to conservative They appear to have the Speaker on a crossfire. member of my caucus, as a Democrat. very short leash. But I am here today, Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, will the Mr. Speaker, I have been reading the joining the gentleman from Massachu- gentlewoman yield? welfare reform conference report this setts, Mr. JOE KENNEDY, and others, in Mrs. SCHROEDER. I yield to the gen- afternoon, and I wanted to just make a signing a letter to both Senator DOLE tleman from Missouri. few remarks on it, because I have some and to our Speaker asking for a Christ- concerns about it, frankly, and I want- mas trust in this budget war. Can we Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentlewoman that it is my ed to express those concerns to the please have a Christmas trust for the body. 3.3 million veterans who went wherever information that within a short period I favor welfare reform. I know that they were sent, whether it was what- of time, supposedly, the Committee on we have to do certain things to make ever holiday, whatever family situa- Rules is supposed to meet and bring sure that people exercise their self-re- tion, they went where they were sent. forward a continuing resolution just sponsibility in our society and that And I do not think they are going to for those people, that they can go to Government cannot be the keeper of appreciate figuring out tomorrow work in order to get those checks out everyone. I was reading this afternoon, morning that if we have not done this for the veterans. however, and I could not help but think Christmas trust for at least those 3.3 That is great, but that bothers me. of a time when I was in the State Sen- million, they are not going to get their Mrs. SCHROEDER. I agree. The gen- ate back in Illinois, several years ago, checks on time on December 29. That is tleman is absolutely right. We still and we were going through a proposal outrageous. That is why I have no pa- have students. We have 60,000 students then that I believe the Governor had tience. who have theirs to be processed. We initiated to cut back on some of the Everybody knows today is the busi- can list all those others. benefits to some of the neediest in our est mail day. People are using the Mr. VOLKMER. Homeowners, trying State. mails to get through their holiday to get loans from HUD, and everything packages. So these checks have got to I remember there was a little lady, a else. All that will not be done. nun in the church, who brought a bus be in the mail tomorrow if they are What it does is, it tells me that they going to be timely. And you cannot load of folks down to Springfield. And want to be very political. The majority they came into our committee room, write checks if you do not have any- of the Republicans are very political. body there to be there and put them in. and we were considering, I believe at They do not want the veterans mad at that time perhaps the override of this Now, let me say, in hot wars we have them, but they do not care about the insisted on trusts over Christmas. Why initiative that was going to cut back rest of the people and the Federal funds for these folks. These were all in the world in this budget war can we workers and everything. not get the Republican leadership down folks that lived in a rundown part of Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, re- here and at least get our veterans out Chicago. They were ragtag. They did claiming my time, I do not know about of the crossfire in this stupid little not have good clothes. They did not the gentleman’s veterans, but the vet- budget tantrum that some of the new seem to be very clean. Some of them erans in my area did not come to town Members are having? were pretty smelly. on a turnip truck. They realized that I guess I just do not understand who They came into our room, and the had a lot of us not signed that letter to is leading whom. But I think we really little nun who ran the program had them, and pointed out that these veter- look pathetic. Here it is, 5 o’clock in some of them come up and testify be- ans were being held hostage and we the afternoon, we have not really done fore our committee about how impor- should at least have a Christmas truce, anything since 2 o’clock except yap, tant it was just to have the extra $10 or they would not be going to the Com- yap, yap, yap, yap. Yesterday they $12 or $15 a month to help them sur- mittee on Rules right now. My veter- named post offices. We have not done vive. ans have figured that out. They are not anything of substance. We discussed We were all sitting there listening to dumb. some budget that the President had this, and I think pretty moved by some like 9 months ago that was like a dead Mr. VOLKMER. If the gentlewoman of the stories that these folks who dog. Nobody has talked about it since, would further yield, why do we not lived on skid row were telling us. And he has moved way beyond. He has have a Christmas truce for all the Fed- I remember very specifically there was agreed to the 7-year balancing of the eral Government? this one little guy that came up to the budget. Mrs. SCHROEDER. I certainly agree. testimonial table and began to speak I must say, here is a group of people And I think we should have a Christ- to our committee. He told us about who cannot even get this year’s budget mas truce for students. They did not how difficult it was to get through the done. Hey, we are three Mondays into cause this. They are totally innocent. winter and how he really did not have the fiscal year, and they cannot get They could not even vote in these last a place to stay, and he said those few this budget done. Seventy-five percent elections, and we could go on and on. extra bucks that we were taking away of the domestic spending has not been But especially veterans. from them meant a lot to him. He said, done, 25 percent of the way through The fact they were going to roll right ‘‘I like to get a pack of cigarettes every this year. And what are they arguing over them, until a lot of us made some now and then.’’ about? They are arguing about projec- noise, is absolutely unbelievable. As I The minute he said that, all the air tions 7 years out. Imagine, any Amer- say, I think all of our patience has just went out of the committee room. ican refusing to pay their bills this been tried. Let us hope they hurry up We were all just kind of sitting there year because they have not put their and get this down here, and I thank the waiting on somebody to validate every budget together because they do not gentleman for his comments. prejudice we had in our heart against like the budget projections 7 years out? Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I want poor people, and he did it for us. He It will not work, America. It will not to commend the gentlewoman for her said the wrong thing. I could just feel work. leadership in this effort. the tension begin to rise again in the H 15274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 room and members of the committee One of my friends who sits here to promptu, but I am grateful for having sitting there and saying, yeah, well, we my left now conveniently remembered had this time and I yield back the bal- told you so. Those welfare cheats. That some of the bad fiscal times under ance of my time. is all they want the money for is so President Reagan. But as was men- they can buy cigarettes. tioned subsequent to his speech, he f I wrote all that down, I remember conveniently forgot about the fiscal specifically, because I thought it was chaos that occurred in the Carter ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER such a tragedy. I do not want us to years. Well, this is only natural, I PRO TEMPORE make the same mistake out here in our think. I think it is convenient for The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. welfare reform package. The poor Democrats to remember the bad for Re- WHITE). Members are reminded to di- among us are really important. They publicans, and the Republicans to re- rect their remarks to the Chair and not do not have a lot and they only take up member the bad for the Democrats. to the President or the viewing audi- a very small part of our budget. If we That is only natural, and that is part ence. look at the whole budget, and we con- of the nature of the beast, but I think sider Medicaid and housing and food when we do it so consistently then we f stamps and family support, and those are seeking out a balance that we need sorts of things, it takes up a very small to retrieve and bring it back into the PRESIDENT SAYS IT IS POSSIBLE part of our budget. Yet somehow in realm of discussion. TO BALANCE BUDGET BY 2002 this country we want to make the poor When I was last home, Mr. Speaker, a AND MEET GOP GOAL the scapegoats for all the problems woman came to me, one of my con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a that we are having here with respect to stituents, and she said answer a ques- previous order of the House, the gen- balancing our budget. Let us not do tion for me. She said, as best I remem- tleman from Ohio [Mr. HOKE] is recog- that, please. ber the last time the Government was nized for 5 minutes. I recall a very important scripture shut down, prior to this last time, she Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I saw this where it said in the end time we will said it was in 1991. And I think it was, morning in the Baltimore Sun this re- all come before the judgment and the indeed, in 1991. And she said to me, the port, and it was so stunning to me that Lord will say, ‘‘Enter my good and spin from the media then was that I just have to read part of it to you, faithful servant. You have been faithful President Bush shut down the Govern- Mr. Speaker. I want to be sure not to in a few things; I am going to make ment. And she said, even I blamed him. offend the gentleman from Texas, and I you master over many.’’ And we will But she said, now, virtually no one want to make it clear that I am ad- say, ‘‘Well, when did I do that?’’ And it from the media is pointing an accusa- dressing my remarks to you, Mr. says that He will say, ‘‘Well, when you tory finger to the President. They are Speaker. did it unto the least of these, My saying NEWT GINGRICH or the majority In the paper it says, ‘‘In a positive brother, you did it unto Me. When I Republican Congress has shut it down. signal, Clinton told reporters before I am wondering, and I do not want to was hungry, you gave Me food. When I the meeting’’, this is before yesterday’s sound paranoid, Mr. Speaker, but I am was without clothes, you clothed Me. meeting with Speaker GINGRICH and wondering, is it convenient to blame a When I was thirsty, you gave Me drink. with Majority Leader DOLE, says ‘‘In a President when he happens to be a Re- When I was in prison, you visited Me.’’ positive signal, Clinton told reporters publican and to exonerate a Congress That is what is important, too. We before the meeting that he now thinks when it happens to be controlled by the should not, any of us here, just because it is possible to reach the GOP goal of we need to crunch numbers, or because Democrats? I am afraid that is the spin that we are taking. What is good for a balanced budget by 2002 using the we need to satisfy ourselves that the conservative economic calculations by poor are the cause of our troubles, for- the goose is good for the gander. Many people today have blamed the CBO.’’ get that we have a responsibility to be Let me read that again, Mr. Speaker, our brother’s keeper. Congress for veterans not receiving their checks, if they, in fact, do not re- It says, ‘‘In a positive signal, Clinton f ceive their checks. President Clinton told reporters before the meeting that DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN DEMO- had every opportunity to sign the ap- he now thinks it is possible to reach CRATS AND REPUBLICANS propriations bill into law this week and the GOP goal of a balanced budget by SHOULD REFLECT REALITY those checks would have been forth- 2002 using the conservative economic calculations by CBO.’’ He said this yes- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a coming. I cannot for the life of me fig- terday. At that point, it had been 29 previous order of the House, the gen- ure why that would be the fault of the days since he had personally signed his tleman from North Carolina [Mr. Congress. name to a piece of legislation known as COBLE] is recognized for 5 minutes. Am I missing something, America? Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I will say As my friend from Ohio says: Wake up, a continuing resolution that included to my friend from Illinois, before he Congress. the language that said that he agreed leaves the floor, he is one of the most Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- to work with the Congress to achieve a gentle, one of the kindest persons on tleman yield? CBO-scored balanced budget by 2002 Mr. COBLE. I yield to the gentleman this floor. And oftentimes when a and that he would do this before the from Ohio. Member comes to the mike on the end of this term. Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I was going Now, here he told reporters yesterday floor, Mr. Speaker, it is an advantage to ask the gentleman that very ques- to follow someone who is not very pop- that now he thinks it is possible to tion, if I had missed something. reach that goal using CBO numbers. ular and who is a scoundrel. I have the Correct me if I am wrong, is it not unlucky draw today to follow the most What is going on? Did he not read the true that the President vetoed three legislation that he himself had signed? gentle Member of the House, but I do appropriations bills, and that had he that nonetheless. signed them, the Government would be b 1715 Mr. Speaker, I did not plan to speak up and running again today, right now? today. As the Speaker knows, I have Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming Was the President not aware of what been in the Chair for the past 3 hours my time, I know of two. It may well be he had signed? Did the President not and I have had the benefit of listening three. Two comes to my mind. Is it read that paragraph in the continuing to discussions on both sides of the three? resolution that said that he was agree- aisle. Mr. HOKE. The third was vetoed. ing to actually come forward with a My friend from Missouri, Mr. VOLK- Mr. COBLE. So it is three. So my CBO-scored balanced budget by the MER, says what a benefit, and it has friends and the viewers who are watch- year 2002? Did he not read it? Does not been beneficial. Not surprisingly, both ing C–SPAN now, let us come back into he read the legislation he signs? sides are subjective, as I am. I am reality here and let us add balance to Mr. Speaker, I cannot understand guilty of that. But I want to try to add this discussion. this. Here he acts with complete sur- some balance to this in my brief 5 min- Mr. Speaker, as is obvious, I am not prise that now he is saying that gosh, utes. prepared, because I am doing this im- he thinks it is possible to reach that December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15275 goal of a balanced budget by the year ly to me. The previous speaker, I guess, am never sure, but just because we 2002. inadvertently mentioned that the have that, that does not pass the value Mr. DE LA GARZA. Mr. Speaker, will President said that 29 years ago, and he of the Constitution and how we inter- the gentleman yield? meant 29 days. But the one that intro- pret that, nor does it pass good sense Mr. HOKE. I yield to the gentleman duced a balanced budget amendment 31 for what we do this year, next year, for from Texas. years ago was this gentleman from the next 7 years of this Republic, and Mr. DE LA GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I Texas. So it is not new. Everyone is for as long as this Republic endures keep hearing about CBO and OMB, and climbing on board now. I did it 31 years under this Constitution. they are all projections. No one for a ago. The one certainly that we have is certainty can say what the accurate Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- that government in a democracy is final result would be. But I would like tleman would yield, the gentleman very expensive; it takes a great deal of to inject into the discussion the name from Texas [Mr. DE LA GARZA] should time; it is very inefficient, because of Sister Rosa. He tells the future by be commended for that. We appreciate there is the necessity that if 250 mil- reading cards. I think she could do bet- it and we appreciate his support work- lion people are to exist in this world ter than OMB and CBO. ing for a balanced budget now. But the Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the with different thoughts and philoso- fact remains, we have got this agree- phies, different political positions, dif- gentleman for his suggestion. ment and the President should honor Mr. DE LA GARZA. Mr. Speaker, she ferent social positions, and coming his word. That is all we are saying. is a lady that does that back in my dis- from different cultural backgrounds, it Mr. DE LA GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I trict. takes a requirement of that ugly word Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming think we ought to bring Sister Rosa which some of my younger friends on my time, I think that maybe Sister into the picture. She has got better fig- the other side of the aisle seem to find Rosa do a better job than CBO or OMB. ures than OMB and CBO. a great deal of distaste for and that is Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, re- But the fact remains that the Presi- the word called ‘‘compromise.’’ claiming my time, I enjoy the fact that dent did not agree in a piece of legisla- I have heard the Speaker talk much we can sit here particularly with the tion that he signed into law to take the earlier, I think maybe as long as 6 projections of Sister Rosa. He did not Members of the freshman and sopho- months ago, that with the new revolu- agree to take the projections of the more class, and participate in this open tion that occurred in the House of Rep- OMB. He agreed to use the projections discussion. It is worthwhile for those resentatives, that there would be co- of the CBO, and then yesterday he acts individuals across America who may be operation but not compromise. If my as though it is a completely novel idea bored with Christmas shopping and colleagues have extreme views, I do not and he says: Gosh, maybe it will be watching C–SPAN, or perhaps going know how we get to a final solution possible to reach that goal. I think through some therapy that they are without compromise. undergoing trying to understand what maybe we will do that. This is some- Mr. Speaker, let me talk about what thing new. I had not thought about is going on down here in the asylum. Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is those extreme views are. We can all that. I think we can put it all together. that probably for the first time in the write a budget that will balance in 7 Well, for heaven’s sakes, Mr. Speak- years, which is a projection of time er, that is what he agreed to 29 years history of the United States, we have extreme polarization of positions on with no certainty, all dependent on ago. It seems to me that what is really variables that are so complicated and going on here is a stalling tactic. It is the passage of the budget. A lot of peo- ple who are not necessarily informed uncertain in their nature that at best an amazing thing. The President it is a guesstimation. We could arrive thinks that for his own political good with the process may think that we are indeed insane, or that what the House at a balanced budget in 7 years under that he will do better by putting this the numbers scored by the CBO, the Of- off longer and longer and longer and of Representatives of the Congress or the entire Federal Government is going fice of Management and Budget, Mor- longer. gan and Stanley, the Harvard Business We see the same thing going on right through right now is a form of insan- ity, but in reality we all know that it School, the Wharton School, we could now with respect to the subpoena on find any number of people who would the Whitewater papers in the Commit- is a very serious thing and it has to do with very honest and real differences of be willing to score it and we could tee on the Judiciary or the Whitewater agree that it should be CBO. committee over in the Senate. What my friends on the Republican side and our side. the President has done is that he has f said: I am invoking an attorney-client Mr. Speaker, if I could just address privilege. He knows there is no good at- for a few moments what those dif- torney-client privilege on this matter, ferences are and maybe encourage FEDERAL WORKERS UNFAIRLY but he has invoked the attorney-client some of my friends on the other side to BURDENED BY BUDGET IMPASSE talk about it. privilege, knowing that he will spin The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Mr. Speaker, the previous speaker that one through. previous order of the House, the gen- talked about some contract. Having Mr. Speaker, that will take some tleman from Virginia [Mr. DAVIS] is been a lawyer, particularly having time, and then he will go to an Execu- recognized for 5 minutes. tive privilege that he will call up and dealt with Philadelphia lawyers, al- though not claiming to be a Philadel- Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I would be ask to spin that one through, all the happy to yield to the gentleman from while, delaying, delaying, delaying. phia lawyer myself, there is a great deal of respect paid to contracts; that Pennsylvania [Mr. KANJORSKI] to finish The President seems to think that his point. time is on his side, but the fact is that supposedly any time we have a con- Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, our he did agree to and we will insist on tract, that says something that in re- point is that we could all come up with and we will come up with a balanced ality will take place in accordance this type of budget. We could have 435 budget using honest numbers. with the word of the contract, or that different budgets taking into consider- f that has some superforce above and be- yond anything else. ation various conditions. Right now we BUDGET IMPASSE REQUIRES Well, there are several ways to inter- have what is called the coalition budg- COMPROMISE pret contracts and I think we have to et that has no tax cut in it and that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a accept that as a given. Very clearly in does balance the budget, so clearly the previous order of the House, the gen- the situation of the President and Democratic side or the President could tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. KAN- whatever contract is interpreted by the put that budget on the table or some JORSKI] is recognized for 5 minutes. majority party of the House, there is a various of that, which the Senate Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I definitely wide distinction as to how seems to have put together on their yield to the gentleman from Texas, Mr. they interpret the meaning of what side. DE LA GARZA. was agreed to some 29 days ago. It requires, however, a decision as to Mr. DE LA GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I Second, just because we have the whether or not we are going to have a thank the gentleman for yielding brief- Contract for America, or on America, I tax cut, a smaller proportional tax cut, H 15276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 or no tax cut at all to arrive at that ple, that is fine. But how would my CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, balance. That is what we call in com- friend do it within the same box? December 20, 1995. mon political parlance, and legal par- Hon. JOHN WARNER, Let me make a couple of other U.S. Senate. lance, compromise. points. Federal employees have really, Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, Hon. FRANK R. WOLF during this whole debate, been an unin- would the gentleman yield? Hon. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA Mr. KANJORSKI. It is the time of tended victim of this debate. Over the Hon. TOM DAVIS U.S. House of Representatives. the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. last several years they have seen the Federal Government downsized and Dear Colleagues: DAVIS]. Because of your interest in the ongoing Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I would be many Federal employees have been los- ing their jobs and having to go else- budget negotiations and your strong support happy to yield to my friend, the gen- for federal employees, we wanted to take tleman from Florida [Mr. where. this opportunity to reaffirm our letter of No- SCARBOROUGH]. We have seen their benefits cut. We vember 10, 1995, in which we made clear that Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, saw them cut in the last Congress. This employees furloughed through no fault of let me state, the problem is not com- time, there were resolutions up here to their own should not be punished. It is unfortunate that President Clinton promising between Republicans, even have them give up another 21⁄2 percent freshman Republicans and some con- has chosen to veto appropriations bills that of their pay to put in their retirement. would have funded the salaries of federal em- servative to moderate Democrats. We We saw an effort to bring their retire- ployees at the Departments of Justice, have the numbers to pass a balanced ment down so that their standards State, Commerce, Veterans Affairs, and budget right now through this House if would not be the high 3 years, but the Housing and Urban Development, as well as the administration would just get on high 5 years. That would basically re- independent agencies such as the Environ- board. duce their retirement. mental Protection Agency. Similarly, proce- The votes last night, where not one dural objections by Democrats have pre- person supported the President’s budg- We saw some proposals up here that vented the funding of salaries at the Depart- et. The vote two nights ago, where an would cap the Federal payment for the ments of Labor, HHS and Education. Federal Employees Health Benefit The direct result of those actions is that overwhelming number of Democrats furloughed federal employees at those par- supported 7-year CBO showed that we Plan, which would mean they would be paying more for their health insurance. ticular agencies cannot be paid. However, we could work together. We are willing to would like to reaffirm our commitment to put everything on the table, but it has We saw another proposal here that restoring any lost wages for federal employ- to be in the President’s best interest to would charge Federal employees for ees in a subsequent funding bill. pass a balanced budget before he gets parking, even in buildings where no- Thank you for your continued and strong engaged in this. body else was paying a parking fee. We leadership on behalf of federal workers. Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I have to were able to defeat most of those as we NEWT GINGRICH, reclaim my time. If I have time, I will were moving ahead, but the unsettling Speaker of the House. thing is that working for the Federal BOB DOLE, yield for a question. Let me say to my Senate Majority Leader. friend from Pennsylvania, I do not Government is not what it used to be. f know if it is extreme polarization on We used to say, ‘‘Give me your best the budget. Clearly, among 435 Mem- and your brightest.’’ Now it is come CONTINUING RESOLUTION IS bers, we have all kinds of opinions. work for us; we will cut your benefits, CONGRESS’ RESPONSIBILITY Some Members do not feel that we we will downsize you, we will furlough The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ought to balance the budget. Some you. Now they are experiencing fur- want to balance the budget their way previous order of the House, the gen- loughs and it is the Christmas time. tleman from Washington [Mr. DICKS] is or no way, and we have some of that. Today is December 20. Many Federal We cannot all stand completely on recognized for 5 minutes. employees would have received their Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I was very principle, or we would never get any- paychecks today, but because of the thing out of here. We have to com- surprised and disappointed today to shutdown in some agencies, that is not learn that negotiations to get the Gov- promise, and I recognize that. going to happen. The difficulty that we have on our ernment operating again have been side of the aisle is that the President Mr. Speaker, the good news today, broken off. I just want to make sure whether he was campaigning in 1992, and I would like to ask unanimous con- that my constituents in the State of said he was not balancing the budget in sent to put in the RECORD a letter to Washington know that I believe that 5 years. In 1993, he got up here at the Senator JOHN WARNER, to myself, to this impasse is not justified; that it is, State of the Union and said CBO num- the gentlewoman from Maryland, Mrs. I believe, time for the senior Members bers were the most reliable numbers. MORELLA, the gentleman from Vir- of the House, both on the Democratic Now we come up with CBO 7-years and ginia, Mr. WOLF, my colleague from side, and the Republican side, to come we have yet to see a plan from him Virginia, a letter from Speaker NEWT together and to insist that we get a that balance in 7 years, and that has GINGRICH and Senate Majority Leader continuing resolution enacted which caused us some confusion. BOB DOLE, where they say in here that, can only be done by this House and by Mr. Speaker, when we see that plan, and I will put the whole letter in the this Congress. I think it is going to be easier to com- RECORD, but they basically assure Fed- It is not the President of the United pare the President’s vision with num- eral employees that when this is over, States’s fault that the Republican Con- bers that balance and our plan. they will be paid retroactively. gress has refused to enact a continuing resolution. They have precipitated this Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, if the Mr. Speaker, this has always been crisis. As we remember, Speaker GING- gentleman would yield, I would say done before; this will be done this time. RICH said many months ago that he in- but, you realize that 5 years, 7 years, Having the House leadership on board, tended to do this very thing in order to all depends what you want to do. Look, and the Senate leadership on board at try to get the President to capitulate I can give you a budget today, and you this time, is very important. can too, that balance the budget in and to accept his budget priorities year. Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, will the which clearly are not acceptable to the Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming gentleman yield? American people. my time, I recognize that, but I think Mr. DAVIS. I am pleased to yield to b 1730 it is key if we could get in that box of the gentleman from Missouri. 7 years, with honestly scored numbers, I feel very strongly as someone who then we are all talking off the same Mr.VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I am has served in this body for 19 years song sheet. Right now we are not there. pleased to hear the news that the Fed- that we have a responsibility as Mem- Ours has been scored by the Congres- eral employees are going to be paid, bers of this institution to keep this sional Budget Office. We know what it but they are not going to be working. Government running. We have veterans does. If my Democrat colleagues do not Mr. Speaker, I submit the following who may possibly not get their checks like the values or what it does to peo- letter for the RECORD. in the next few days unless we get a December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15277 continuing resolution passed. I am pocketbooks. In other words, that is all we needed to do 2 years ago. Hillary going to support that. If the leadership the Federal Government should do. Clinton, shake your head, Hillary Clin- of the House brings it to the floor, we That is what I am hearing here, espe- ton testified on Capitol Hill that we ought to vote on it and get it done. But cially among the radical ones, that needed to slow the growth in Medicare I do not think it should stop there. they want to shut the Federal Govern- to twice the rate of inflation. She sug- I am concerned about the people who ment down. To them there is nothing gested 61⁄2 percent. The Republican plan work in the Forest Service, who work wrong with it. That is what one of the increases it to 7 percent. Furthermore, in the Park Service, who work in the freshmen said earlier today. spending on Medicare explodes to 65 Department of the Interior and the f percent over the next 7 years. people who work at Health and Human The press knows it. The press has JUST THE TRUTH Services, all these other agencies who stated as much. The markets have are not going to be taken care of. It is The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. stated as much. Everybody knows the very obvious that, when there is a lit- WHITE). Under a previous order of the truth. Do not believe me, do not be- tle heat put on, the majority is willing House, the gentleman from Florida lieve NEWT GINGRICH, do not believe the to make some adjustments. So if the [Mr. SCARBOROUGH] is recognized for 5 Democrats. Listen to what neutral ob- American people want this Govern- minutes. servers are saying. They are trying to ment to operate, they are going to Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, scare senior citizens because they are have to make sure that the new Mem- people are talking about how dis- devoid of any plan to balance the budg- bers who were elected last time hear appointed they are and how sad they et in 7 years. from their constituents that they want are. Let me say what saddens me, that The New Republic has said it. The this Government reopened and started. people can get on this floor with a Washington Post has said it. The Wash- This is ridiculous, and then there is straight face, with a straight face, ington Times has said it. The Wall no justification for it. This is the worst mind you, and still spread the untruth Street Journal has said it. Editorial crisis we have had in terms, I think, of that we are cutting Medicare. I hear boards around America have said it. the confidence of the people of this that we are slashing Medicare. It is a They said it this past week when they country about our Government. What radical agenda. called Leon Panetta on the carpet on the Republican majority wants is for I had a member of my district call This Week with David Brinkley. Bill Clinton to capitulate and accept and say, please, will somebody tell me Do my colleagues know what Leon their very radical prescription for the who is telling the truth up in Washing- Panetta’s final remark was? Well, it is budget. The American people do not ac- ton. The President keeps saying that just to give the rich tax cuts. Let me cept the levels of cuts in Medicare and he is shutting down the Government, tell my colleagues, check it out. Medicaid. I think it is preposterous to and he is not going to pass the first Eighty-nine percent of these tax cuts have a $254 billion tax cut when we are balanced budget in a generation be- for the so-called rich, 89 percent as trying to balance the budget. That tax cause you are radically cutting Medi- scored by CBO, goes to families earning cut makes it incumbent upon the ma- care. under $75,000. Check it out. Check out jority then to make these very large I do not want to call the President of the truth. cuts in Medicare and Medicaid and also the United States a liar, and I will not. Is $75,000 or less for a family the way in education and other very sensitive I will let the Washington Post, the New that Bill Clinton defines rich these and important programs to the Amer- Republic, and members of the Presi- days? If so, I think he needs to lead a ican people. dent’s own staff, former staff do this. Third World country instead of Amer- I just hope we can bring some com- This is the front cover of the New Re- ica, because there are a lot of people mon sense back. I hope that the senior public. It says why the Democrats’ with three or four children making Members in the Democratic Party, the demagoguery is even worse than you $75,000 or less that have trouble getting senior Members in the Republican Cau- thought. The New Republic is one of by. If that is a tax cut for the rich, cus can bring some sense back to this the most liberal publications in Amer- label me guilty. I am sick and tired of institution and do our job. We should ica since 1914. It is flat out saying the what is going on. I just want to hear initiate a continuing resolution to get President is not telling the truth. the truth. Give me some truth. these people back to work. The Washington Post writes an edi- I feel sorry for the Government work- torial. What saddens me, what deeply f ers and their families who at this saddens me is every person that comes Christmas time are being denied their up and says that we are slashing Medi- REPUBLICAN PROPOSAL ON work, their opportunity to earn a liv- care is, A, either knowing that that is MEDICARE ing, because of this impasse. not true or, B, is ignorant of the facts. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a I also urge the President to stand his Ignorant of the facts that the Washing- previous order of the House, the gen- ground. He should not capitulate. He ton Post points out, when they say tleman from North Dakota [Mr. should not accept this radical agenda. I that the Democrats led by the Presi- POMEROY] is recognized for 5 minutes. am very upset about this. I am very dent have chosen instead to present Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, that upset and feel very badly for the people themselves as Medicare’s great protec- was quite a display we just saw, for all and their families who are being forced tors, they have shamelessly used the the fire and volume, kind of a temper out of work because of this inability to issue, demagogued on it because they tantrum really at the rostrum. I think reach an agreement. think that is where the votes are and it is very unfortunate that we are not Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, will the the way to derail the Republicans. proceeding in more of a thoughtful way gentleman yield? The President was still doing it this reflective of the weighty issues that we Mr. DICKS. I yield to the gentleman week. A Republican proposal to in- have responsibility to resolve. from Missouri. crease Medicare premiums was the rea- The gentleman hollering, describing Mr. VOLKMER. It becomes very ob- son he alleged to veto and shut down how nothing is impacted under the Re- vious to me at least, maybe not others, the Government. But never mind the publican-passed budget regarding Medi- that there are those, especially among fact that the President himself would care, in point of fact that is simply not the freshman group, after listening to countenance the same increase. The the case. The part B premium alone, one of the freshman speak earlier Washington Post—this is not from Mr. Speaker, $46.10 a month today, in today, that they almost relish the Gov- NEWT GINGRICH. Wake up, America. the final year of the Republican plan ernment shutting down. The Federal Wake up. This is from the Washington that will be $88.90, compared to $46.10. Government is the enemy. They want Post, the New Republic: We are being Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, to take it down to nothing. called radical. will the gentleman yield? I can remember back when I had a Do you know what is so radical about Mr. POMEROY. I yield to the gen- conservative tell me that the Federal our plan, that on Medicare, we are tleman from Florida. Government should defend our shores, doing the same exact thing that Presi- Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Would the gen- deliver the mail, and get out of our dent Clinton and Hillary Clinton said tleman also admit that under the H 15278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 President’s plan there is only a $4 dif- been in Congress long, but I have got years. Under the President’s proposal ference between the Republican plan the opportunity to work for public is- it is going to much double. But, you and the President’s own plan? sues on behalf of North Dakotans in know what? Next year, in the election Mr. POMEROY. Reclaiming my time, the State legislature and for the insur- year, under the President’s proposal, it is not at all clear to me where the ance commissioner. In addition to that, he wants to reduce the Medicare Part B administration is on the part B pre- I was in the private sector practicing premium, and then he will increase it mium number. But I will tell the gen- law in my hometown. I have been in- steadily every year thereafter once he tleman this. The only plan that vir- volved in lots of negotiations, lots and is firmly ensconced in the White House tually doubles the part B premium is lots of negotiations. for another 4 years. the GOP-passed budget resolution. What I learned is, you come to the Let me tell my colleagues another I believe this is wrong, that you table with the position. You care deep- should not play politics with a program thing. I used to regulate insurance. I ly about it. The other side comes to the spent a lot of time dealing with the in- as important as Medicare which pro- table with a position. They care deeply vides health care for our seniors. I also surance needs of senior citizens in the about that. And then you start to deal. State that I represent. There is an think you should not be playing poli- I do not mean callously, just cutting tics with an issue as important, as cru- issue called balanced billing. In the old deals willy-nilly. But you begin to ne- days, I mean back just now a decade, cial, as balancing our budget in 7 years. gotiate, engaging the other side, talk- even less than that, Medicare would ing about the things that really matter Mr. Speaker, I ran on a campaign pay a portion of the bill, but the physi- to you, trying to find common grounds. that says you must balance the budget cian could bill the senior citizen that I think it is a tragedy that this after- in 7 years, and there was a very, very amount. Then any amount more, Medi- noon, with the Federal Government, high degree of frustration amongst the care would pay the Medicare part, but portions of it shut down, with budget voters in my district because they the senior citizen out of pocket would talks at an impasse, we do not have heard about Gramm-Rudman, they be eligible for the difference. this kind of negotiation under way. I heard about the budget deal of 1987, Congress in its wisdom a few years they heard about the budget deal of ago in a bipartisan vote voted to say, urge all of my colleagues to insist we get negotiations underway and let us 1990, and the tax increase of 1990 and no, no, no, doctors, you cannot charge how that was going to balance our unlimited amounts over Medicare. You fund Government while these impor- tant talks proceed. budget, and then they heard again can only bill in fact when fully imple- about the 1993 program, how this was mented, I believe the difference is 15 f finally going to do it. percent over what Medicare approves DO NOT PLAY POLITICS WITH as an appropriate charge. If you are in MEDICARE OR THE BUDGET Here we go again in 1995. We have got an indemnity plan under the Repub- $200—$180 billion deficit, and the budg- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a lican budget, you are again exposed to et that the President presented to us previous order of the House, the gen- that virtually unlimited amount over scored by the CBO, an agency that the tleman from Florida [Mr. WELDON] is what is a Medicare approved charge. President himself said is the group So we can talk differences in part B recognized for 5 minutes. that should be scoring the budgets, premium. I believe they are very seri- Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- says that his budget is going to be in ous differences, new out-of-pocket er, prior to coming to the U.S. Con- debt, show deficits $200 billion a year costs for seniors. But I think even gress, I used to practice medicine. I out of 5 to 7 years into the plan. He fi- more serious is this whole business of practiced internal medicine and half of nally produced a slightly better budget balanced billing, the physician billing my patients were senior citizens. I do that was only going to have a deficit of over and above what the Medicare has hope someday to be able to go back to about $100–120 billion a year. said is an acceptable charge. my practice and resume taking care of senior citizens because I very much Now what we are saying, what the Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, if Republican freshmen are saying, is the gentleman will continue to yield, enjoy that type of practice. I have al- ways like caring for seniors. enough is enough, no more smoke and please just clarify for me. The adminis- mirrors. We want a budget that is tration proposal is scored, shows a $4 b 1745 going to balance in 7 years. difference in the year 2002 between the They are all in the Medicare pro- Republican plan. I mentioned that be- Now there are a lot of people getting gram. The Medicare Program has been fore, and then the gentleman said that up here and saying, ‘‘Oh, we need to do a tremendous success. I think it has he did not know if that was the case, a continuing resolution and get the been instrumental in prolonging lives but said the Republican plan was the Government open.’’ I have got a lot of of seniors. And one of the key compo- only plan that doubled premiums. If in Government workers in my district. I nents of our balanced budget plan that fact that is the case and that has been have got Kennedy Space Center. I have we put on the President’s desk is main- documented in the Post and other pub- got engineers who are furloughed, and taining the solvency of the Medicare lications, then the President’s plan too guess what, my colleagues on that side plan that makes sure that it will be would double it, would it not, if there of the aisle? They call me up, and they is only a $4 difference in premiums in there for seniors, and all we have done send me letters, and they say, ‘‘Don’t 2002? with this plan is we have done exactly give in. I know I’m laid off, I know I’m Mr. POMEROY. Reclaiming my time, what the President and the First Lady not working, but you have got to bal- Mr. Speaker, the only plan that causes said needed to be done in 1993 when ance the budget. We cannot continue to part B premiums to double is the GOP they were pushing their health care run these deficits.’’ Mr. Speaker, they budget plan. The things that the gen- plan. They said, and if I may para- tell me it is immoral, they want me to tleman does not consider Medicare cuts phrase them if I do not quote them ex- hang tough, they do not want me to in fact to a senior citizen that suddenly actly right, is that all you need to do is cave in. They want the budget bal- has to pay a lot more out of pocket be- lower the inflation rate in the Medi- anced, and they want the budget bal- cause Medicare does not pay it anyone, care plan from where it is right now, 10 anced in 7 years. I am telling the gentleman, they think or 11 percent down to about 7 percent, and the plan comes into balance. Indeed I got a phone call yesterday their benefits have been cut. They from a Democrat who told me that ev- think it in a very real and personal Now there has been a lot of stuff said about the Medicare Part B premium. erything we are doing is right. He said, way. ‘‘Don’t give in.’’ I yielded happily to my friend from The GOP plan is going to double the South Carolina, and we had an inter- Medicare Part B premium over the Now I am not going to vote for an- esting exchange. In fact I wish we had next 7 years. Well, guess what, my col- other CR. We signed a CR 3 or 4 weeks a lot more of that going on right now leagues. Under the Democrats who ago, and what happened? That gave the in constructive circumstances, most have controlled this House for 40 years, President the chance to waffle for 3 or particularly at a negotiating table. guess what? Over the last 7 years the 4 weeks and the AFL–CIO 3 to 4 weeks I have been in public life a long time. Medicare Part B premium doubled, to run million-dollar-a-day ads trying It has been my opportunity, I have not they doubled the premium the last 7 to get us not to balance the budget. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15279 I will tell you what I think we need Extremist, radical ideas are not Medicare. The President said we are to do. Half of your conference over America’s ideas. There will be a price extremists, that we are going to cut, there agrees we need to balance the to pay if the radical elements continue, slash, kill Medicare. There is only a 2- budget in 7 years, and what I say is the and that price will be paid at the ballot percent difference between the Repub- President will not come around, let us box next November because that is how lican plan and the President’s plan. Ba- forget about the President, let us sit it works here. sically $138 difference over a year pe- down with the conservative side of the The question is who, in fact, is in riod of time in the year 2002 on what Democratic Caucus with us and come charge? Who is in charge? Who is lead- would be spent per individual. to terms on a 7-year balanced budget so ing here in this national government? What are we talking about here when we can do a veto override, and we can We have lost our leadership. Clearly we are talking about extremists and reopen the Government, and we can all the Republican side has lost its leader- radicals? Individuals that want to save go home for Christmas. ship because they have failed to keep Medicare for their mothers and fathers. But I bought a Christmas tree, and I the motors of government working, My mother and father are 78 years old. brought my wife and daughter up here, which is their contract with America I want to save Medicare. and I am willing to stay as long as it as a majority. It is their contract to keep the offices of the government run- takes. b 1800 f ning. They have purposefully shut them down, and they have done so, in Why would I do anything to hurt the THIS IS A HOSTAGE SITUATION fact I believe, with malice. We need to most precious people that I know? I do The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. move on. not know when this rhetoric is going to WHITE). Under a previous order of the f stop, but it is time that we get serious House, the gentleman from Florida about balancing the budget. It is time THE BLAME GAME [Mr. PETERSON] is recognized for 5 min- we do have serious negotiations, but utes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the President is not willing. He is the Mr. PETERSON of Florida. Mr. previous order of the House, the gen- one that is not willing. He is the one Speaker, this is a hostage situation. I tleman from Kentucky [Mr. LEWIS] is that broke it off last night. He is the know from which I speak. I was a hos- recognized for 5 minutes. one that said, in one instance through tage of the Vietnamese Government for Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- the Vice President, that, ‘‘Well, we six Christmases. I knew what was er, today I listened to the President in cannot go specifically by the CBO. We going on at that time. As a hostage in his news conference, and he was talk- have to have other numbers in there.’’ Vietnam I knew what my options were. ing about essentially in the same way Then he comes back later and he said, I really had a feel of the paralysis of and with the same terms as the pre- ‘‘That was not what we meant. We are the circumstance, and I could live with vious speaker about extreme freshmen, willing to go by CBO scores now.’’ that. I was a volunteer, just like so 73 individuals that are holding up the What are we dealing with here? Mr. many of our brave men and women Government, and you know it is the President, Mr. Speaker, I wish the that are in Bosnia right now are volun- same old story: the blame game. President would just come forth, put a teers to serve their Nation, and I would By the way, I remember a President budget on the table that would provide by the name of John F. Kennedy, and I take my hit. I did not have any prob- for a balanced budget in 7 years and remember when the Bay of Pigs trag- lem with that. But what we have here that would allow the CBO to score it to edy happened, and President Kennedy is a nation, an entire nation, every cit- see if the numbers are right. I think we stood up and said, ‘‘I take the blame, izen of the United States, being held would be willing to then look at, what the buck stops here.’’ But what I heard hostage to the radical extremist por- is he talking about, Medicare and from President Clinton today was that tion of the Republican Caucus con- taxes? We are willing to look. it is the freshmen that are causing this ference. Now maybe they can justify that. problem, those extremists. It reminded me not too long ago f Maybe that is OK. Maybe they are OK when we had the tragedy in Waco. The out there writing the new Dickens President said, ‘‘It is not my fault,’’ WE CANNOT FORGET THE POOR IN Christmas Schrooge Carol based on and the Attorney General had to take OUR NATION IN ORDER TO MAKE new circumstances, modern cir- the blame. THE WEALTHY WEALTHIER cumstances. Maybe in fact they all He is never to blame. It is never his The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. wish to be the Christmas Scrooge be- fault. WHITE). Under a previous order of the cause they are holding not only the He has offered four budgets that do House, the gentlewoman from Texas Federal employees who have been fur- not keep his word with CBO scoring, loughed, they are holding this entire but it is not his fault. There were three [Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON] is recog- country hostage to an ideology that bills on his desk that he could have nized for 5 minutes. the country is not buying into. signed that would have got the Govern- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of The United States citizenry is not ex- ment up and running again, Commerce, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have listened treme, they are not radicals. They are Interior, and VA–HUD, that would have with interest. I, too, am tired with the God-fearing, compassionate, logically put the people back to work, but he ve- rhetoric. No matter which way you put thinking people, and they cannot un- toed them, and he blames the fresh- it, there are real people out there being derstand why it is that we as a House men. affected. I am from a regional city with of Representatives cannot sit down and Mr. Speaker, let us talk about those many, many, many Federal employees. agree to disagree; first of all, to get extreme freshmen just for a minute. I, too, have gotten messages: Stick down to some negotiations, but then to What is extreme, and I asked this the with the President. get to the point of compromise, yes, other day, what is extreme about want- I am from a city and a district that compromise, the word ‘‘compromise’’ ing a balanced budget in 7 years? Seven has one of the most well-known medi- which has been for whatever reason es- years, not tomorrow, not next year, cal schools, one of the most well- sentially destroyed in its definition. In not 2 years from now, but 7 years. A known dental schools. A medical fact we are using the term ‘‘com- glidepath for 7 years that is going to school that has four Nobel Prize win- promise’’ in its worst categorization, actually spend basically $3 billion more ners there now in my district. None of which would be to suggest to com- than what we are spending now. There them are for these cuts. All of them promise one’s values. are no cuts. We are going to be spend- understand that when we put the bot- We are ultimately going to have to ing more money. As I said, a glidepath tom line to it, there are a few more compromise, my colleagues. We are ul- towards a balanced budget that will dollars being added. So no, there is not timately going to have to do the peo- provide a future for our children and a cut as such; but what we have forgot- ple’s business. We are ultimately going our grandchildren, that will not allow ten to be honest with the people about, to have to answer to the mainstream of this country to go bankrupt. What is there are a million more people going America as we deal with this budget extreme about that? Trying to save the into the system to share these dollars. issue. economic viability of this country. When you put that many more people H 15280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 into a system, those dollars will not PASSING A CONTINUING RESOLU- that is in the bill. If one of the couple spread broadly enough. TION WOULD LET PEOPLE HAVE has to go into the nursing home, the When these dollars do not spread, the A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A existing spouse no longer can protect individuals see it as a cut because the HAPPY NEW YEAR their property. Their children can be services are simply not there. We can The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a liable for that homestead or what have call it whatever we want to call it, but previous order of the House, the gen- you. It is just a cruel hoax, this entire when the services are not there, the tleman from North Carolina [Mr. HEF- bill. It is not just the Medicare and choices are not there, and people are NER] is recognized for 5 minutes. Medicaid portion of it. It is all across. having to pay more out of their pock- Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, I would There is a mean spirit through this en- ets. When offsprings of these senior like to maybe digress here. I wish some tire budget. citizens are having to pick up the tab, when spouses are having to give up of the speakers who have spoken ear- The gentleman spoke down here and their job security and their homes to lier were here. I have been around here said the President sent up a bill which pay bills, they see it as a cut. We can for quite some time, and some people we voted on the other day which was a count the dollars, whatever we want to have a tendency to kind of rewrite his- total hoax. There was not one day’s do, it is a cut for the people. They feel tory here. hearing. They took some quotes out of it. They know it when they feel it. The people that continually come to some statements that had been made Mr. Speaker, we are doing this just this well, and the good gentleman from months and months ago and put to- the opposite than what America has Florida who practiced medicine in gether a bill with not one day’s hear- promised. We are punishing the poor Florida, he said he was so concerned ings. It did not even go to the Rules and the most vulnerable to help the about his parents, and I feel sure he is, Committee, and they brought it here rich. That is not the way it has been and is glad he still has his parents with on this floor and try to pan it off. It intended. You can say that we are giv- him. Some of us do not have that privi- was a charade, it was a phony bill, it ing a tax break to persons making lege. But their rhetoric does not match was a phony vote to embarrass the $75,000 a year, but when you are taking up with the record of the Republican President of the United States. away from those who are making Party. $25,000 or less, that is punishment of I remember back early on when Ron- Mr. Speaker, I would like to get to the most vulnerable population. When ald Reagan first came to office, the another point. My grandkids, if you we take away Head Start, when we first budget David Stockman sent to will permit me to be personal, my take away education funds, we are this House called for the $125 cut for grandkids are coming here this week- doing just the opposite of what our so- the oldest, neediest senior citizens in end. They are going to spend Christmas ciety needs to cope with tomorrow. this country, to cut out the $125 for with me. I do not have to leave this Any way you look at it, that is hurting these senior citizens. I can also remem- town. The gentleman made the remark all of us, because we hurt our future. ber, and I look at the RECORD back his kids are coming. He is probably Every nation that is doing better when Medicare was established, and it going to fly his wife and kids up from economically has a history of investing got no support. In fact, the majority Florida to be here for Christmas. We in their human resources. That is their leader in the Senate said he fought, he can stay here for Christman. But there people. We are refusing to do that. We fought very, very hard to try to see are thousands and thousands of Amer- are in the shape of a Third World na- that Medicare would never become a ican citizens out there that do not take tion, but it is OK if you are rich. It is reality. Social Security was not sup- part in this debate, they had no part in the poor, the disabled, the elderly, that ported by the Republican Party. Cer- this, and they are going to be abso- are being affected, and our children, tainly Medicaid was not supported by lutely frustrated during the holidays. which is this Nation’s future. the Republican Party. They are going to be concerned about Anyone who thinks the rich children The folks say to me, they say, ‘‘We it. are safe while we let poor children wan- are going to give senior citizens a big- der around in the wilderness of pov- Let me just remind my colleagues on ger choice. We are going to let you do, the other side, they talk about a revo- erty, hunger, and the lack of education and you are going to get an insurance is in a different world than reality. lution that took place in November. policy. We are going to give you some Let me just remind my colleagues that Every child’s future is at stake, not choice.’’ One of the things that they just the wealthy. We can get up here 60 percent of the American people said, crucified Hillary Clinton and President and talk all we want to talk about sav- ‘‘A pox on both of your parties. We did Clinton for was to try to get people to ing the future for our children, taking not vote for any of you.’’ Your Con- move into HMO’s and these areas. I can away the price tag. Let me assure you, tract With America said when you were just imagine if I go to Prudential or when we remove food, when we remove going to balance the budget, you did shelter, when we subject the poorest some carrier that carrier health insur- not go far enough and say we are going children to water that is not safe, food ance and I say, ‘‘I want to get some in- to balance the budget, but we are going that is not safe, and continue to dump surance,’’ and they say, ‘‘How old are to cut Medicare, Medicaid, we are in the neighborhoods where air is not you?’’ I say, ‘‘I am 66 years old. I have going to do away with clean water, all safe, do not think we are not going to had open heart surgery. I have heart these things. Had you added that into pick up the tab. We are going to pick it disease. It will get progressively the contract, the numbers would have up through hospital bills, we will pick worse.’’ ‘‘Well, I’m sorry about that, gone down drastically. it up through prisons, but we have the but we cannot handle you,’’ and the anxiety that it gives to our senior citi- Why do we not do a continuing reso- responsibility and we will pick it up lution, let people have a merry Christ- somehow. zens. One of the gentlemen mentioned it is mas and a happy new year, and same to We simply cannot forget the poor in you, Tiny Tim. our Nation just to keep making the only like $100 or $150 a year. That does not sound like much to a Member of wealthy wealthier. It does not work. It f does not work, no matter what gender, Congress here, but I have people who no matter what color, no matter what come into my district offices in North the origin of birth. It does not work for Carolina every day, senior citizens liv- AMERICANS WANT AN HONEST any of us. ing on fixed incomes that have to make BALANCED BUDGET It is time for all of us to come to the a determination whether they are table, forget the rhetoric, forget we are going to pay their monthly bills or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a going to do just a revolution for the whether they are going to get a pre- previous order of the House, the gen- sake of revolution. We have to think scription filled. It is not just the Medi- tleman from Michigan [Mr. UPTON] is about human beings. These are human care and the Medicaid that is so wrong recognized for 5 minutes. beings we are affecting. These are liv- with the budget that the Republicans Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I would ing, breathing people. I say to you, it is have passed. It goes to other areas. Un- like to say a couple of things during time, it is time for us for give atten- less they have taken it out recently, this span, as we wait for the rule to tion to the most vulnerable. you have the spousal impoverishment come down from the Committee on December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15281 Rules. On this side we want a balanced vast majority of Democrats voting cheer, that they probably thought that budget. I believe a lot of Members on with us. we in Washington, Members of the that side want a balanced budget, too. The reason is that our people who are House of Representatives and the Sen- They want it honestly scored, and that elected to these jobs, whether they be ate, that we could not get our job done. means by the Congressional Budget Of- Republicans or Democrats, know that They pay us well, they send us to fice. We are tired of smoke and mirrors the American people want a balanced Washington to represent them, and and phony numbers and the CR that we budget. The reason is because of the they would like us to carry out our du- had last time. A lot of us were optimis- fact they balance their budget year in ties. Yet we hear this more or less tic that something was going to hap- and year out, they know how to do it, ‘‘blame game.’’ I do not think that is pen, and it did not. That is why we are they look at their ledgers, they see going on in the country. I think they in the situation that we are in today. how much money is coming in, and are saying, all of us are not doing our Mr. Speaker, I reminded a colleague they say, ‘‘Why can’t you do this in job. of mine earlier this afternoon that I Washington? What is the problem? Why I reached a point of frustration this was one of those who voted against the do we have a $5 trillion debt?’’ Because afternoon, listening to the conversa- Bush budget back in 1990. I remember we have overspent. tion on the floor, because things get being down in the White House and So the average person watching tele- mixed, what is happening here. We meeting with a number of his advisers, vision out there, eating dinner, for have appropriation bills that are and I said then that his assumptions those people that are, they understand passed on this floor and on the floor of and statistics that he was showing us how this works. the Senate that go to the President in 1990 were wrong, because he told us Mr. HEFNER. If the gentleman will and are signed, and those bills fund, that if that budget passed in 1990, and yield further, Mr. Speaker, I am not through taxpayers’ money, the various it did, despite my opposition, that we disagreeing with him. But it boils down agencies of the U.S. Government. Six would have a surplus in 1995 of $65 bil- to this: we can have negotiations, but of these bills have not been finished. lion. The OMB was off $225 billion. it cannot be ‘‘My way or no way.’’ We are tired of that. We are tired of That has happened in other years, trying to hoodwink the American pub- b 1815 and then we have what is called a con- tinuing resolution. It comes to both lic in terms of making tough decisions, That is no way to negotiate. floors and is passed, and then the prob- and when the pie is finally taken out of Mr. UPTON. Reclaiming my time, I lems within the different bills are ham- the oven, it is not done. We want it think that we can reach a bipartisan mered out and worked out, and then done. The end product every one of us accord. The vote that we had here 2 eventually we have an appropriations on this side wants and a good number nights ago, it passed big time: 7 years, bill. Of course, that is not what hap- on your side, and I hope including CBO numbers, most of us, again. I pened 2 weeks ago and that is not what yourself: that pie done in a balanced think only 40 Members voted against is happening now. fashion by the year 2002. it. I think that there is room for a bi- One of the things we are trying to do partisan agreement, and there are a The continuing resolution does not now is to get the sides together, put number of us that want to do that. pass and, therefore, those agencies them in a room, lock the door, call out Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, I do not stop, and the result is that 200,000 peo- for Domino’s Pizza on whatever you mean to sound sarcastic, but if we ple cannot go to work. are going to do, and not let them out could put together a budget, get to a I do not understand it. This is not the until we get a deal. budget in 7 years scored by CBO, is the budget. The budget is another whole Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman at liberty to deliver some process. The budget, there are a lot of gentleman yield? Republican votes if it met with your differences, differences about values, Mr. UPTON. I yield to the gentleman approval? differences about priorities, differences from North Carolina. Mr. UPTON. I believe so, and I think about the budget of the United States Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, just to of America and about the size of the make two points on the scoring, I do that is what we all ought to be working here tonight to try and do, and tomor- Federal Government. That is all in the not think the American people are sit- budget. ting out there having dinner and say- row night and the next night, until it is done. But the continuing resolution is dif- ing they are talking about a score by ferent, and I do not see why we hold OMB rather than CBO. But CBO was off Mr. HEFNER. Because we understand and have been told that the only budg- the continuing resolution hostage to $135 billion. I will agree with you, get the budget. some people together that want to bal- et we are going to get will be a Repub- We as Members of Congress are fortu- ance this budget. I am for balancing lican budget with enough votes over nate. We have an office down here and this budget. But we are being told they here to override a veto. If we cannot at home. In that office, I think each are not going to pass a budget in this get some support to where we can come and every one of us works very hard on House unless it is Democrats that go as a bipartisan group, we have very se- casework, and yet we are saying to your way. You say, ‘‘You do it our way, rious reservations about it. But I am 200,000 Federal workers, we are not let- or it will be no way,’’ and that is no asking if you and I could sit down as ting you go to work. I just think that way to negotiate. honest brokers. goes against everything I have ever Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, will the f gentleman yield? worked for. Mr. UPTON. I yield to the gentleman LET THE LEADERS LEAD We are saying to people who want to from Illinois. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. go to work at the Smithsonian and Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I agree WHITE). Under a previous order of the other museums and our art galleries, with the gentleman about the point, I House, the gentlewoman from Con- at our monuments that we are so proud think there are probably a lot of people necticut [Mrs. KENNELLY] is recognized of, at our parks that are so beautiful, out there eating dinner and probably for 5 minutes. no, you cannot go. Yet, as Members of some of them watching C–Span, and I Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Congress, we work very hard so that doubt if very few of them understand to come down here on the floor and say people who want to come to Washing- all the scoring. But I will tell you one that all week I have stayed away from ton can get their tickets, can go to the thing the American people understand. the floor. I felt that there was really Washington Monument and the Mint, I think it is reflected in votes that nothing that could be said at this point yet we have closed all of these. It is be- have been made on this floor through- in time, that the American people yond me. out the year. The fact that we passed a mostly, those that are fortunate So I would just like to say tonight, balanced budget amendment with 300 enough to be with their families and can we not pass a continuing resolu- votes, it included a lot of Democrats, about to enjoy a holiday with shopping tion, open up the Government to the and maybe some of the people who are and getting ready for Christmas and people who pay for it, the citizens of sitting here this evening. We passed a trying to have a family occasion where the United States of America, and not balanced budget resolution with the there could be happiness and good hold it hostage to the budget of the H 15282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995
Federal Government which has dif- tleman from Michigan [Mr. CHRYSLER] I, for one, will not support another ferent philosophical thinking and pri- is recognized for 5 minutes. continuing resolution until the Presi- orities. I just do not understand why Mr. CHRYSLER. Mr. Speaker, 31 dent lives up to the agreement he made we do not respect our Federal worker days ago, President Clinton committed law. more. to balancing the budget in a signed In 1992, President Clinton cam- Some of us have traveled in other contract with Congress that stated: paigned on a balanced budget, ending countries; we have read about other ‘‘The President and the Congress shall welfare as we know it, and providing enact legislation in the first session of countries, we have dealt with other tax relief for America’s middle class the 104th Congress to achieve a bal- countries, and we know that their fed- working families—our proposal simply anced budget not later than fiscal year eral governments, their government follows through on what this President 2002 as estimated by the Congressional workers are not respected to the extent could not. We have kept our word to they should be because they have not Budget Office * * *.’’ Since that time, however, it has become more apparent the American people and attempted to been treated correctly. They work at a negotiate in good faith for an agree- lower rate of pay, they do not get the that this President has no intention of living up to the agreement. ment both sides could live with. Has respect that they deserve over the the President? Strip away the rhetoric years, and as a result, they do not func- Last October, the 104th Congress passed a balanced budget, one that fi- and there is little evidence he truly tion like our Federal Government has wants a balanced budget. always functioned and its workers. nally reforms the Nation’s welfare sys- tem, provides pro-family and pro-jobs Our workers are proud of what they f do, they go to work in the morning, tax relief, and saves Medicare from they do a full day’s work, they go home bankruptcy. For 26 years our Federal at night, they are with their families Government has continued deficit NO LINKAGE BETWEEN CR AND and they are very, very good citizens. spending, crippling the Nation with a BALANCED BUDGET national debt of nearly $5 trillion and They should not be put in the vise of jeopardizing the future prosperity of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a this budget resolution. previous order of the House, the gen- Tomorrow we should have a continu- our Nation. This is our last, best hope to do the right thing for the future of tleman from New York [Mr. ENGEL] is ing resolution on this floor and on the recognized for 5 minutes. Senate floor, and our Government our children and grandchildren. The President claimed he could not Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, my col- should go on. Then I hear people saying, well, what agree to our budget and used his Con- leagues, let us make no mistake about stitutional authority to veto it. This is is happening about the budget; and it is this. It is the Republicans who are his right, but in exercising his power to said, you know, that there is a group shutting down the Government. Clear- veto he has a moral obligation to that does not want the budget, the new ly and simply, the Republicans, by re- present the American people with an freshman class, they are saying, no, fusing to vote for a continuing resolu- honest alternative. tion to keep the Government open, are you cannot have this particular budget After 4 weeks we are still waiting for unless it has what we want in it. you shutting down the Government. They him to present us with a budget that have the majority of votes here and in cannot do it that way. balances in accordance with the terms First I heard a young man down here the Senate, they could easily keep the agreed to last month. Government open by voting for a clean talking tonight and he was talking Instead of a comprehensive budget about the President of the United continuing resolution with no strings proposal, we have received press re- attached, no blackmail attached, and States, the President, another Presi- leases and rhetoric. Instead of nego- dent, a former President saying, ‘‘The the Government would open and 250,000 tiating in good faith to seek an agree- Federal workers would go back to buck stops here.’’ We did have a former able compromise, the President and his President that said that. But they are work, and then we could negotiate a allies produced and aired commercials budget. not letting the buck stop here with bashing our proposal even before sit- this President. ting down at the negotiating table. The But no, they will not do that, because Yesterday we had the President of President talks about compromise but they are trying to link the two issues the Senate, Mr. DOLE, and the speaker in reality has only engaged in con- together; they are saying they will of the House, Mr. GINGRICH, go to the frontation and demagoguery. vote for no continuing resolution until White House. All of the television cam- Last Friday, President Clinton sub- there is a 7-year balanced budget. eras were on, and the two gentleman mitted yet another budget that comes Now, I want everybody to understand walked in and sat down with the Presi- no where close to balance in 7 years ac- that there is no linkage to keeping the dent and they began some discussion; cording to the honest, nonpartisan Government open with a continuing they came out, and it looked like we CBO. In 2002, when our budget would resolution and a balanced budget. The were going to have some progress, and produce a surplus, his plan remains at Republicans are the ones who are link- we all felt so good. least $75 billion short. This is the same ing it. The reason we are in trouble in Yet today we hear that, no, the 73 ‘‘we’ll get to it some day’’ mentality the first place is because they did not freshmen are not exactly satisfied with that has overshadowed this issue for do their job. what happened there. decades and left us in the current defi- October 1, 1995 was the start of the Well, you cannot have it both ways. cit mess we have today. new fiscal year, and there are 13 appro- You cannot have it: ‘‘The buck stops When put to a vote before this House, priations bills which the Republicans here,’’ and the: ‘‘We want to all be in- the President’s budget did not get one were supposed to have sent to the volved.’’ The negotiations, any nego- single vote—not one Republican vote, President of the United States, and by tiations, breaking it down to a smaller not one Democratic vote. that time they had sent only 3 So it is group with only the leaders. In Dayton, The day before the vote on the Presi- their fault that the Government could they sent the Presidents of those coun- dent’s budget, the House voted over- not continue and that the Government tries and they sat down at the table whelmingly, by a vote of 351 to 40, to had to shut down; and the only way and they figured out what was going reaffirm our commitment to a 7-year you can keep the Government open on. They could not bring all of the balanced budget as determined by the under those circumstances, when the countries with them. Congressional Budget Office signed by majority party does not do its job by So what I am saying is why do we not December 31, 1995. all step our of the way and decide what Taken together, that should be a sending the appropriations bills to the is happening and come back and vote clear signal to the President to get se- President, is by passing a continuing on it. Let us let the leaders lead. rious about a balanced budget. resolution. They are refusing to do that. f Today, however, we get another sign that the President still has not gotten All of this talk and rhetoric about PRESIDENT SHOULD GET SERIOUS serious. Today the President once balancing the budget in 7 years is a ABOUT BALANCED BUDGET again broke his word and broke off ne- separate issue from the continuing res- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a gotiations, continuing the partial shut- olution and from the Government shut- previous order of the House, the gen- down of the Federal Government. down. The President of the United December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15283 States has said, and rightfully so, that not have the choice. They will be We are not saying that it has to be the he will not be blackmailed into accept- thrown into HMO’s. They will not have Republican balanced budget. We do not ing the Republican mean-spirited and a choice. even come close to saying that. extreme agenda. So let us stop the nonsense, let us Yes, we would like to see tax cuts, if Yes, the majority of Americans want pass the continuing resolution, let us it is going to be extended over 7 years. to see a balanced budget, but when you open up Government again, and then I would be happy to give up any tax cut ask the majority of Americans, do you let us negotiate on a balanced budget. if we balance the budget in 5 years, but want to see a balanced budget at the One issue has nothing to do with the if it is going to take 7 years, I cannot expense of Medicare and Medicaid, if it other. understand why we cannot balance the means devastating Medicare and Med- f budget in 7 years with a tax cut. Bal- icaid, the American people overwhelm- BOTTOM LINE IN BUDGET BATTLE ance it in 4 or 5 years without a tax ingly say no. Well, on the Democratic cut, it makes sense. side of the aisle we say that Medicare The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. It does not have to be our spending and Medicaid and education and the en- LAHOOD). Under a previous order of the priorities on discretionary spending. vironment and helping working people House, the gentleman from Connecti- Obviously the President and this Con- and not giving a tax break for the rich cut [Mr. SHAYS] is recognized for 5 min- gress, Democrats and Republicans, are Democratic priorities. utes. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I would have to weigh in. It is just wrong, in b 1830 like to respond to my colleague and my judgment, for anyone on that side While the President did agree 31 days say to him that this is about every- of the aisle to suggest that it has to be ago to have a 7-year balanced budget, thing that is important. I have waited our budget. No, it does not. It just has CBO-scored, the Republicans also 8 years to see my Government finally to be balanced in 7 years using the non- agreed to protect the Democratic prior- balance its budget and get its financial partisan numbers of the CBO. ities of Medicare, Medicaid, education, house in order, and that is what we are I would be happy to yield to the gen- the environment, and student loans. attempting to do. tleman from New York. We are attempting to do three basic It seems to me that the President, by Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I just want accepting the concept of a 7-year bal- things. Get our financial house in order, balance our Federal budget, is to say to my good friend from Con- anced budget, CBO-scored, has done necticut, when he spoke about taking more to compromise with what the Re- one. The second issue is to save our trust funds, particularly Medicare, care of Medicare and not letting Medi- publicans want to see than the Repub- care go bankrupt, the actuaries said licans are doing to compromise with from bankruptcy. It starts to become insolvent next year and becomes lit- that it would take $89 billion to ensure the Democrats. Instead, we get this that Medicare would not go bankrupt. mean-spirited, extreme attitude, erally bankrupt in 7 years. The third thing we intend to do and are working Why then under the Republican plan ‘‘We’re going to shut the Government are there $270 billion worth of cuts? down if we don’t get our way.’’ very hard to, is to change both the so- NEWT GINGRICH came to the Repub- cial and corporate welfare state into a Mr. SHAYS. Reclaiming my time, lican Conference this morning at- caring opportunity society. the gentleman needs to recognize that tempting to compromise, apparently, That is our objective. I know my col- we need to make it solvent for many and he was told, ‘‘No, we are not going league feels very heated about this more years, and we want to bring it up to have a continuing resolution, we’re issue, but it is really a distortion to to the year 2010, 2011, which is the start going to shut the Government down.’’ talk about cuts to education when edu- of the baby boomers. Your plan brings This from the party that talks about cation loans are going to go from $24 to it to solvency for a few more years but family values. A quarter of a million $36 billion. That is a 50-percent in- does not get it up to the year 2010, American workers before Christmas crease in education loans. which is our objective. We want to bal- are thrown out of work, and they talk Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, will the ance our Federal budget, we want to about family values. gentleman yield? save Medicare, and we want it to be Congress is going to be in session Mr. SHAYS. If I could just make solvent to the year 2010. next week, so we cannot be with our some points first. Then if I have some I would be happy to yield to my col- families. They talk about family val- time, I would be glad to. league. Again, let me say that we intend to ues. Now, I do not mind Congress being have this go from $24 to $36 billion. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in session if we are actually doing Only in Washington when you spend 50 I have a question on the shutdown. You something, but we have been sitting percent more on student loans do peo- and I had a lengthy discussion yester- around here all day long today and yes- ple call it a cut. day. I raised the issue to you that this terday while the Republicans are cau- Our Medicaid number is going to go shutdown is costing the American peo- cusing and not getting anything done, from $89 to $127 billion. Again, only in ple over $800 million. You indicated to not doing the people’s work, arguing, Washington when you spend so much me that you all felt that this was the quibbling, passing ridiculous, irrele- more do people call it a cut. only way you could get the attention vant resolutions instead of passing the We are increasing the school lunch of the President of the United States. continuing resolution to get Govern- program. We are increasing the student So the purpose of this shutdown has ment open again. loan program. We are increasing Medi- nothing to do with the balanced budget That is the truth. So do not talk to care, we are increasing Medicaid. but with trying to get the President’s me about family values, do not talk to We are absolutely determined, and attention. me about balanced budgets, when you this is not something which one part of Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming are the ones that are not allowing com- our party feels strongly about, we, this my time, and I plead this not be used promises to be made. Republican Conference, have been against my time. It is very simple to We talk about health care, whether it working all year long to balance our respond. I wish that 10 years ago this is a cut in Medicare or just a lessening Federal budget. That is what we are Congress had shut down the Govern- of an increase, the bottom line is sen- going to do. We are going to get our fi- ment and balanced our Federal budget, ior citizens in my district and in nancial house in order. and we would not be in the mess we are everybody’s districts are on Medicare It is just amazing to me that we have in today. Our big regret on this side of and Medicaid. The health care coverage had such a struggle throughout the the aisle is that we gave the President is inadequate now. They do not have year. 30 days to come forward with a bal- enough money now to buy medicine. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, anced budget and he chose not to. That But let us look at the health care will the gentleman yield? is the bottom line to this issue. that seniors are getting now in 1995, Mr. SHAYS. No. I will not yield yet. and what kind of health care will they I will be happy to yield later if I have Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, will the be getting in 2002 under the Republican time. I only have 5 minutes. gentleman yield? plan? The answer is seniors will be pay- I do want to make the point and I Mr. SHAYS. I am happy just to con- ing more and getting less. They will think it is very important to be made. tinue with the time that I have left. H 15284 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 The bottom line to this issue, Mr. $270 billion out of Medicare. Now, a Mr. WYNN. Absolutely. That is why Speaker, is that we need to get our gentleman got up a little earlier on the they want to do it, so they can deliver budget balanced. We would like to do it Republican side and said, ‘‘Oh, no, this this big tax break to people making in less than 7 years. We are determined isn’t a cut. We’re just slowing the in- over $100,000 a year. to save Medicare in particular. crease.’’ Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, will Mr. Speaker, we are determined to Let me tell you, ladies and gentle- the gentleman yield? balance our budget, get our financial men, try this on the Defense Depart- Mr. WYNN. In just a minute. house in order, and save our trust ment. Take $270 billion out of a De- That does not make any sense. They funds. fense Department budget that is below come down and they say, give us hon- f projected needs and then tell them that est figures, give us 7 years. is not a cut. I do not think it would fly. THE DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE We all know this is a cut. It is a sig- Gentlemen, I will make you a deal. We will give you honest figures and 7 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a nificant cut. It means that by the year years. You get rid of the tax break for previous order of the House, the gen- 2002 seniors will be paying on average the wealthy, and I think we can work tleman from Maryland [Mr. WYNN] is $138 more per year just in additional this out. recognized for 5 minutes. premiums, not to mention the loss of Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, over the choice of their doctors. Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, will last few days we have been having a They say, ‘‘Well, that’s not all that the gentleman yield? momentous debate on this floor and in significant.’’ Keep in mind these same Mr. WYNN. In just a minute. this country. We have been debating seniors only average about $25,000 or The gentleman said, why do we not the balanced budget, not whether to less in annual income. So the Medicare put all these people in a room, order have a balanced budget but how to question is significant. We do not need pizzas and all that. Maybe we could do have it. What are the proper priorities? the big cut in Medicare. As was indi- that, but you do not need to shut down A lot of people come to me and say, cated, the actuaries say we only need the Government. You have got Scrooge ‘‘Why are you guys going back and to cut about $89 or $90 billion and we and the Grinch that stole Christmas. forth on this?’’ I tell them, no, it is a could solve the solvency problem. Add to that list the Republican fresh- good debate, we ought to have this de- Then we go to Medicaid, and in their men. bate. But the question tonight be- budget they want to cut 8 million peo- comes, why do we have to shut down ple off the rolls by the year 2002. They the Government in order to have this want to eliminate the guarantees that REPUBLICAN REBUTTAL debate? we have for the sick, the elderly, the poor, the blind, and the disabled. They The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a As a point of fact, I believe in a bal- previous order of the House, the gen- anced budget, a 7-year balanced budget want to take 3.8 million children off tleman from Arkansas [Mr. HUTCHIN- with CBO estimates. That is not the the Medicaid rolls and deny them the SON] is recognized for 5 minutes. problem. The question before us to- safety net guarantee that we have now. Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, I night is why are we shutting down the We have a problem with that. We do am going to yield my time in just a Government, why are we putting mil- not think it is necessary. The reason it moment, but I do want to respond to lions of Federal employees out of work, is not necessary is because they have the previous speaker. why are we then paying them not to hidden in their budget a little poison We repeatedly hear this demagoguery work on the eve of Christmas? pill in the form of a $245 billion tax That is the issue before us tonight. break for the wealthy. that there are tax cuts for the wealthy, Well, I will tell you why. The reason You cannot see this chart out there and repeatedly during his comments why we are shutting down Government in America but I will tell you what it when I asked an opportunity to enter is because the Republicans cannot get says. It says that about half of the tax into a colloquy, we heard that these their budget. Not because they cannot breaks, half of the $245 billion, go to tax benefits are for people making over have this debate but because they can- people making over $100,000 a year. I do $100,000 per year. not have their way. not see any reason why we in this Con- Well, I have had a lot to do with that You see we were making progress. gress ought to be giving a tax break to $500 per child tax credit. It is some- The President and the Republican lead- people making over $100,000 a year. But thing that I have worked on from day ership and the Democratic leadership apparently they do. That is why we are one when I entered this Congress, were making good progress and they having this problem. something I totally believe in, because said, since we are making this Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, will the the American family is overtaxed, progress, why do we not pass a continu- gentleman yield? squeezed to the limit. Mr. WYNN. I would be happy to yield ing resolution to keep the Government For the family making $30,000 a year, to my colleague from North Carolina. up and running? I say to the gentleman, to the family Mr. HEFNER. I want to ask you a The gentleman from Georgia [Mr. making $30,000 a year with two chil- question, because I heard you say that GINGRICH] took this issue back to his dren, they will see their Federal tax li- you believe in doing the CBO scoring. Republican colleagues and the radical ability cut in half. That is not a tax Is that right? break for the wealthy. freshman Republicans said, ‘‘No, it’s Mr. WYNN. Absolutely. our way or no way.’’ So instead of hav- Mr. HEFNER. Let me ask you this Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, would the ing a reasonable compromise, a con- and see if it makes sense. You are gentleman yield on that specific point? tinuing resolution while this debate going to have a $245 billion tax cut, ba- Mr. HUTCHINSON. No, sir, I believe I continues, we have shut down the Gov- sically going to the wealthiest people have the time and since you would not ernment. in the country. Unless they get the $270 yield to me, I would like to complete I was particularly irritated when I billion reduction in Medicare, and it my statement. heard one of our smug freshman col- gets scored that way, you cannot have The family making $30,000 a year leagues comment that, ‘‘Well, I’ve got the $245 billion tax cut. Does that with two children will see their Federal my Christmas tree and I’m bringing make sense? tax liability cut in half. That is a tax my family up, so I really don’t care.’’ Mr. WYNN. That makes sense to me. break to the wealthy? That family Well, I think that speaks for itself, Mr. HEFNER. Is that not the way the with $30,000 income and two children? I but it is certainly a sad statement. scoring works? suggest to you no. They are not Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speak- Mr. WYNN. That is the way the scor- wealthy at all. er, will the gentleman yield for a sec- ing works. ond? Mr. HEFNER. Unless you get the b 1845 Mr. WYNN. I would be happy to yield cuts in Medicare, you cannot have the in just a minute. $245 billion tax cut? Mr. Speaker, they are the very people Let us talk about the merits of this Mr. WYNN. That is right. who most need tax relief. For that cou- issue. Let us talk about their notion of Mr. HEFNER. And that ain’t fair in ple with two children making $25,000 a a balanced budget. First of all they cut any State in this country. year, they will see their entire Federal December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15285 tax liability eliminated. I suggest to vote and only a very few Members on I could not let him get away with you that there are millions and mil- either side of the aisle supported it. saying that all those Members voted lions of families out there right now What we are asking is a balanced budg- against the President’s budget, because who are desiring this tax relief to be- et in 7 years, scored by the Congres- it was a sham and it was a disgrace to come a reality. In fact, I was on a radio sional Budget Office. It does not have the most deliberative body in this talk show this morning, one call after to be our budget. It can be their tax country. another saying, please, do not let the cuts, with or without. Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, the liberals back you down on family tax Mr. SCARBOROUGH. If the gen- American people do not just want a relief. They need it. We need it. Amer- tleman will continue to yield, this is balanced budget. ica needs it. an important point. Even though we They want a balanced balanced budg- I yield to the gentleman from Florida believe that that is important to us, we et. [Mr. SCARBOROUGH]. will put that on the table. We will put Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, And the Republican budget—which everything on the table. All we want is the President is rightfully resisting—is what is so distressing to me is the fact a balanced budget for future genera- that the numbers are just being mis- an unbalanced balanced budget. tions. If we have to take up certain tax stated politically. I saw Leon Panetta The Republican budget is unfairly cuts next year, fine. I just want to see this weekend say that the majority of balanced on the backs of seniors on the President of the United States say the tax cuts that go to the families Medicare. that my children and future genera- were for wealthy Americans. It is unfairly balanced on the backs tions are important enough that the The fact of the matter is, CBO has of the poor, the disabled and middle Federal Government finally spends scored it that 89 percent, 89 percent of class families whose parents benefit only as much money as they take in. these tax cuts go to families making from Medicaid. Everything is on the table but nego- $75,000 or less. What frightens me about It is unfairly balanced on the backs this is that this is the liberal view, I tiating our children’s future. We must balance the budget. of the children of our public schools guess, and the President’s view of what and students with student loans. now constitutes a rich person in Amer- f The Republican budget is a load off ica, a family with three or four people MEDICARE AND MEDICAID the backs of corporate welfare recipi- now making $75,000 or less is, according ents, defense contractors, polluters, to Leon Panetta on This Week with The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and all the other Republican special in- David Brinkley, is now a rich person in LAHOOD). Under a previous order of the America. That is a truly sad view of House, the gentlewoman from New terest groups. America. York [Mrs. MALONEY] is recognized for No issue more clearly divides Demo- Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- 5 minutes. crats and Republicans than Medicare tleman will continue to yield, I would Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield and Medicaid reform. like to point out that the $500 tax cred- to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. The proposal to block grant Medicaid it applies to a single person whose in- WYNN]. takes away the guarantee that poor come is less than $75,000. Only then Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, let us get people will receive health care. would her child be given a $500 tax straight on these tax figures. The gen- At this time in history—when the credit and a married couple of 110. It is tleman talks about the people who gap between rich and poor is wider income sensitive to those families at make $30,000. They only get 13 percent than ever—that is inexcusable. that number and below. of the total tax break. We could bal- The block grant proposal is predi- I want to reiterate the fact that we ance this budget and have a deal. Cut cated on a blind-faith fantasy, that have tax cuts in our 7-year plan. We ac- out the tax breaks for the wealthy. States will come up with a magic for- tually eliminate some programs. We Just give it to the folks that make mula, to do much more in health care slow the growth of other programs. We $30,000. They are only getting 13 per- for the poor with much less money. take entitlements and we definitely cent. The rich, over $100,000, are get- If there are any such miracle cures to slow the growth of entitlements. But ting almost half, almost 50 percent of with Medicare, Medicare was to grow health care in New York State, I’ve the tax breaks. at 10 or 11 percent. We did what Hillary certainly never heard of them. In addition, they repeal the family Rodham Clinton suggested, that we get And neither has anyone else in the tax credit so they are actually increas- the growth of Medicare down to 6 to 7 New York hospital system. ing the taxes on the middle class and percent. In fact it is actually 7.2 per- What’s more, this block grant pro- working poor. They also give another cent. It is .2 percent higher than the posal has no flexibility. windfall to the rich because they elimi- First Lady suggested it should be. It will be most effective in providing So what we are trying to do is slow nate the alternative minimum tax. health care for the poor during good the growth of certain programs. But if What does that mean? That means $17 economic times, and least effective in our colleagues on the other side of the billion to the richest corporations in recessions, when America needs Medic- aisle and the President do not agree to America. That is the truth about the aid most. so-called tax breaks. that, it is a concept of opportunity That stands the very purpose of Med- Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield cost. If you do not slow the growth of icaid on its head. to the gentleman from North Carolina one program, where are you going to The Republican Medicare plan is just [Mr. HEFNER]. slow the growth of another program ul- as reckless, and just as cruel. timately to balance the budget in 7 Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to say to the gentleman from Connecti- Cutting $270 billion out of a program years? that needs a $90 billion cut to remain So I would just say it is just a mis- cut, he talks about demagoguery, there was a little bit of demagoguery that solvent—and is so important to so representation of the fact if someone many seniors—is outrageous. suggests that we are saying they have took place on this floor yesterday when Just as this proposal will hurt Medic- to agree to our budget. The President they offered up the sham on the Presi- aid and Medicare clients/it will also does not have to agree to our budget. dent’s budget that had not been scored. devastate Medicaid and Medicare pro- He has to, for the first time, submit a It had not been brought here by the balanced budget. If I had my wallet in President. The President did not re- viders. my hand, I would take it out and I quest it. It did not go to the Commit- Estimates vary, but it is clear that if would offer it to my colleagues on the tee on Rules. It had not one day of the Republican plans are enacted, New other side if they could show me a hearing, not reported out of any com- York State will lose between $40 and budget from the President of the Unit- mittee. There were no comments on it. $50 billion dollars. ed States that is balanced in 7 years The gentleman from Connecticut, Mr. That would endanger the very sur- using the Congressional Budget Office SHAYS, has been around here a long vival of literally every public hospital numbers. It simply has not been done. time. He knows that was a sham to em- in New York City. In fact, when the President submit- barrass the President of the United Two provisions are of particular con- ted his last budget we put it up for a States, and we are better than that. cern to the city and State of New York H 15286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 under the Republican Medicare pro- REPORT ON RESOLUTION WAIVING and as a result, put the Government in posal. POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CON- the position of reneging on its promise They are programs which took dec- FERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1655, to pay veterans benefits checks. We ades to evolve and refine. INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION cannot allow our veterans to lose these If they are gutted by these senseless ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 benefits, and this Congress will take cuts, these programs will be virtually Mr. LINDER, from the Committee on any action to protect our service men impossible to reconstruct. Rules, submitted a privileged report and women and their families. The proposal to cut formulas for (Rept. No. 104–429) on the resolution (H. This is a simple resolution which Medicare graduate medical education Res. 318) waiving points of order deals with one specific issue in our and disproportionate share payments against the conference report to ac- Federal budget that we in Congress be- would devastate New York’s hospitals. company the bill (H.R. 1655) to author- lieve is important enough to merit this Fifteen percent of all medical resi- ize appropriations for fiscal year 1996 action. This resolution provides a tem- dents in the America are educated in for intelligence and intelligence-relat- porary solution by ensuring the pay- New York metropolitan area hospitals. ed activities of the U.S. Government, ment of veterans benefits in the event New York City’s hospitals also serve the Community Management Account, of a lack of appropriations through fis- an unusually high proportion of special and the Central Intelligence Agency cal year 1996. needs patients: the elderly, the dis- Retirement and Disability System, and Mr. Speaker, the 3.3 million veterans abled, the chronically ill, and the poor. for other purposes, which was referred in the United States and their depend- Overall Medicare payment rates de- to the House Calendar and ordered to ents not only look forward to and need termine indirect Medical education and be printed. these benefits—they deserve these ben- disproportionate share payments. f efits. If we do not act on this tem- If those payments are reduced be- porary funding measure tonight, our cause of smaller inflation adjustments, PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION veterans and their dependents who are New York’s hospitals would be hit with OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION expecting benefit checks will see a a double whammy. 134, FURTHER CONTINUING AP- delay in the receipt of these critical Graduate Medical Education would be fur- PROPRIATIONS TO ENSURE PAY- funds. ther devastated by new restrictions on training MENT OF VETERANS BENEFITS I have co-sponsored this resolution international residents, who comprise 45 per- Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, by direc- and I strongly support this action to cent of all residents. tion of the Committee on Rules, I call provide our veterans with the benefits What country a resident comes from is un- up House Resolution 317 and ask for its that they have earned and rightly de- important as long as he or she is saving immediate consideration. serve. Despite the importance of the American lives. The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- budget negotiations to the future of New York's world-renowned hospital system lows: our Nation, there is no arguing that is struggling to stay afloat TODAY. H. RES. 317 the men and women who have served These cuts are far in excess of what that Resolved, That upon the adoption of this this Nation do not deserve the finan- system can absorb without catastrophic con- resolution it shall be in order to consider in cial uncertainty that may occur. Both sequences. the House the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 134) parties are responsible for putting this Medicaid cuts will especially hurt New York making further continuing appropriations Nation into the fiscal mess that we nursing homes and other long-term care pro- for the fiscal year 1996, and for other pur- now face, but this resolution shows viders, who rely on Medicaid for 90 percent of poses. The joint resolution shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled that we will not punish those who have all payments. by the chairman and ranking minority mem- put their lives on the line to protect That will trickle down to middle class fami- ber of the Committee on Appropriations. The the freedoms that we enjoy today. lies, who could be bankrupted by simply giving previous question shall be considered as or- This resolution was unanimously ap- their parents quality care in their old age. dered on the joint resolution to final passage proved by the Rules Committee and it Mr. Speaker, it comes down to this. without intervening motion except one mo- is a fair resolution that will assure New York State, with 7 percent of the popu- tion to recommit. The motion to recommit that our veterans receive the benefits lation, would absorb 11 percent of the cuts in may include instructions only if offered by the Minority Leader or his designee. they deserve. Medicare and Medicaid. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- New York City, with 2.9 percent of the popu- my time. tleman from Georgia [Mr. LINDER] is lation, would absorb 6.5 percent of these cuts. Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- These numbers don't just represent dollars. recognized for 1 hour. Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, for pur- self such time as I may consume. I These numbers represent lives. thank my colleague from Georgia for Thousands of lives lost, ruined or needlessly poses of debate only, I yield the cus- tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman yielding me the customary 30 minutes. compromised. Mr. Speaker this continuing resolu- There are numbers in this budget that we from Texas [Mr. FROST], pending which I yield myself such time as I may tion is a very small step in the right di- can cut which will NOT represent lives. rection. It's time to spare these critically important consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the This resolution says to American health care programs for our seniors, our veterans that they should not have to poor, our disabled and our people. purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 317 al- pay the price for this ridiculous game of political brinkmanship my Repub- f lows for consideration of House Joint Resolution 134, which will make fur- lican colleagues are playing. What I do ther continuing appropriation to en- not understand Mr. Speaker, is why my REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVID- sure that our veterans continue to re- republican colleagues believe the en- ING FOR CONSIDERATION OF ceive the payment of their benefits tire country should pay this price. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 134, during the budget negotiations and the Why don’t my republican colleagues FURTHER CONTINUING APPRO- current partial Government shutdown. tell the 383,000 people who are shut out PRIATIONS TO ENSURE PAY- The rule provides for 1 hour of general of National Park Service facilities MENT OF VETERANS BENEFITS debate equally divided and controlled every day that Congress cares about Mr. LINDER, from the Committee on by the chairman and ranking minority them too? Rules, submitted a privileged report member of the Committee on Appro- Why don’t my republican colleagues (Rept. No. 104–428) on the resolution (H. priations. tell the 80,000 people who are shut out Res. 317) providing for consideration of The rule also provides for one motion of the Smithsonian and the National the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 134) to recommit which may include in- Zoo every day that Congress cares making further continuing appropria- structions if offered by the minority about them too? tions for the fiscal year 1996, and for leader or his designee. Why don’t my republican colleagues other purposes, which was referred to Earlier this week, the President ve- tell the 2,500 people whose FHA home the House Calendar and ordered to be toed the conference report for the VA– purchase loans aren’t being processed printed. HUD appropriations for fiscal year 1996, that we care about them too? December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15287 As the gentleman from Massachu- ments for veterans will continue, as Federal Government, not just those in setts noted up in the Rules Committee well as dependency payments and in- the Veterans Department. earlier this evening, although the demnity compensation for survivors of Mr. Speaker, that is why I will be Speaker and the Majority Leader sup- veterans are made on schedule. asking at the appropriate time that we posedly had a very productive discus- So, I support this legislation, and, defeat the previous question on this sion with the President, a funny thing Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to rule tonight so that we can offer a res- happened to the Speaker at the Repub- unanimously vote for its adoption. olution which would allow all of the lican conference, he found out his radi- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 Government to reopen. cal colleagues would rather cut Medi- minutes to the gentleman from Wis- I think it is just fine that this pro- care and Medicaid than keep the Gov- consin [Mr. OBEY], the ranking Demo- posal would allow us to pay veterans’ ernment running. He found out that cratic Member on the Committee on benefits, disability, pension, education Members of the Republican Party Appropriations. benefits, but it will not allow us to won’t let a continuing resolution come Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, there is not process new claims for veterans’ bene- to the floor at all. a day that goes by that when I pass the fits, it will not allow us to deal with So, Mr. Speaker, I’m sure the coun- Capitol and take a look at the dome the same 2,000 claims a day that come try will support my attempt to defeat that I am not immensely proud of the for those benefits it will not allow us the previous question in order to ex- privilege that I have of representing to tell our troops who are on the way pand this continuing resolution to the the people of my district in this Con- to Bosnia that they will be guaranteed entire Government, not just the veter- gress of the United States, in this great their military pay raise this year, their ans. Capitol Building. I have profound re- COLA, because we are not opening all I’m sure the country wants Congres- spect and love for this institution and of the Government under this resolu- sional Republicans to stop these respect for every Member in it because tion. games, leave Medicare alone, and fund of what they represent and who they I have talked to many of you on the the entire Federal Government represent. But I have to say there are majority side of the aisle, and I know through January 26. some times when I get very dis- you as human beings, and I know that I urge my colleagues to defeat the appointed about the conduct of this in- there are a good many of you who do previous question. stitution and people in this institution, not agree with the idea of keeping Gov- b and tonight is one such occasion. 1900 ernment closed down. I understand the Anybody who knows me knows that I Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield peer pressure that is being put upon have strong partisan views and I am myself such time as I may consume. you. But I ask you to rise above that not afraid to express them. But I think Mr. Speaker, it is worth pointing out tonight and do what is necessary to re- anybody who has worked with me that the State of Arizona has kept the store some semblance of respect in the through the years also knows that Grand Canyon open by working out an country for our processes in this insti- when it comes to my legislative re- intergovernmental agreement. tution by reopening all of Government sponsibilities, in dealing with my com- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the and dealing with our divisions on long- mittee work, that I have always tried gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. term budget policy in a restrained, dis- to approach that work in a bipartisan FOX.]. ciplined, and adult manner. That is the way, and I think the record speaks for Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speak- only way in my view that we can earn itself. We produced 9 appropriations er, I, too, rise to support House Joint our pay the way the public expects us subcommittee bills under my chair- Res. 134. This is a bipartisan effort to earn our pay. under the leadership of the gentleman manship, all of which were bipartisan, Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield from Arkansas [Mr. HUTCHINSON], the and when I chaired the Committee on such time as he may consume to the chairman of the Committee on Veter- Appropriations last year, we produced gentleman from Glens Falls, NY [Mr. ans’ Affairs’ Subcommittee on Hos- an allocation of budget resources to all SOLOMON], the chairman of the Com- pitals and Health Care, and our chair- 13 subcommittees, which was a biparti- mittee on Rules. man of the Committee on Appropria- san allocation. tions, the gentleman from Louisiana I think we need that same approach Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank [Mr. LIVINGSTON]. This legislation tonight. the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. would ensure, Mr. Speaker, the pay- Last night the networks told the LINDER] for yielding this time to me, ments to more than 3.3. million veter- country that the President, and the and I would just say to my very good ans and their dependents will continue Speaker, and Senator DOLE had begun friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin to be made on schedule during the cur- talking again about the budget, and, as [Mr. OBEY], who I have a great deal of rent partial Government shutdown. the networks showed tonight, Mr. Pa- respect for, he has been here longer The bill also ensures vendor payments netta came down here today expecting than I have; I have been here for close to contractors who supply the Veterans to try to negotiate on that and on the to 18 years now, I guess; but I just want Administration with products and serv- question of reopening the Federal Gov- the gentleman to know, yes, the fresh- ices vital to the health and the safety ernment. We are then told on the man feel very strongly that we are of our VA patients. nightly news that the Republican cau- going to stay here, and we are going to The Hutchinson-Livingston bill cur- cus, led by the freshmen, decided to re- get this job done, we are going to bal- rently has the support of nearly 30 ject any effort whatsoever to reopen ance this budget. But, as my colleagues Members of both parties and obviously, the Government until a total deal is know, there are others, too. I feel like by the number of speakers here this consummated between the White House an 18-year veteran freshman because I evening, many more Members of the and the leadership of the Congress. feel the same way. House are in support of this important As anyone who understands anything Mr. Speaker, I have been here during legislation. about government knows, even if times when Ronald Reagan, when that The President’s veto of the VA–HUD agreement on policy were reached to- great President, tried to bring about appropriation bill means the veterans’ night, it would take a good period of this revolution. He could not do it be- benefit checks will not be paid on time time to draft the legislation necessary cause he did not have the control of next month, and veterans may be de- to reflect that policy. both Houses. And then I recall a time nied needed medical supplies if the par- If we are truly interested in meeting later on in 1985 when this body had the tial shutdown continues. The President our bipartisan responsibilities, what we courage to pass something called could have easily signed the bill and would do is pass this motion before us Gramm-Rudman. As my colleagues avoided putting veterans’ benefits at tonight to allow veterans to be paid know, that was a balanced budget. risk and in jeopardy. However, this leg- their benefits, but we would expand it That was an attempt to do what we are islation would solve that problem, and so that all of Government, which is doing now, to balance the budget over I believe that the Hutchinson-Living- closed down, is opened. The taxpayers a 5-year period, and even though we did ston bill will assure that GI bill bene- deserve to get the services they are not have the right figures to work fits, compensation, and pension pay- paying for from all the workers in the with, we were making those cuts. H 15288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 As my colleagues know, I have a but- So let us put aside the rhetoric, let As far as respecting, and I am ton in my pocket here that says, ‘‘It is us go ahead and pass this bill and make quoting again, ‘‘Respecting the process the spending, stupid,’’ and that is the sure that those checks go out on the lst in Congress and moving forward in a problem out here. of January. restrained, disciplined manner,’’ let me But my colleagues know we conscien- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ask what is so restrained and dis- tiously, with good Democrats support- minute to the gentleman from Massa- ciplined about passing deficit bills for ing us, passed Gramm-Rudman, and the chusetts [Mr. MOAKLEY]. 40 years; of running up a $4.9 trillion only problem with it is that in bringing Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, the debt? If that is discipline, if that is re- that to a balanced budget over 5 years, rule we are considering today is a very straint, then count me out. There is we did not make any cuts in years 1, 2, good rule. American veterans should nothing restrained or disciplined about and 3. We only did it in years 4 and 5. not have to pay the price for the Re- that. So what happened? The Congress sent publican inability to pass appropria- out all their press releases, we are We are here tonight as part of a big- tions bills, nor do I think the American ger showdown. The one thing that I going to balance the budget. But then people should be used as pawns in a po- what happened in year 1? We did not hope all of us in this Chamber can litical game. agree on, and I see the gentleman from have to make the hard cuts, so we got That’s why I will be supporting the through that, we got through year 2, Mississippi, SONNY MONTGOMERY, a effort to defeat the previous question champion of veterans for years, a Dem- we got through year 3, and all of a sud- so that we can expand this continuing den it became too difficult, and we ocrat, who has been out front on it, resolution to the entire Government what I hope we can all do tonight is abandoned that attempt to balance the not just the veterans. And everyone in budget. unite together and make sure those this Chamber will have a chance to I am going to say to my friends on veterans that sacrificed for this coun- the other side of the aisle that is not vote for that amendment to stop these try to protect and defend the Constitu- going to happen this time. No matter games and fund the entire Federal Gov- tion, hope that they will not be left out what, we are going to balance that ernment through January 26. in the lurch tonight. I look forward to seeing all of my col- budget, and that means staying on the I hope we can join together, pass this leagues put politics aside and vote glidepath, staying on that glidepath in important rule, and pass this bill. The against the previous question so we can the very first year. veterans should not be part of this po- offer an amendment to fund the entire Now having said that, that is what I litical battle simply because the Presi- Government. guess I get so upset about, and I am dent of the United states did not like Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, for pur- going to be calm here tonight, but environmental policies of the Repub- poses of debate only, I yield 3 minutes when the President then vetoes this lican party. We need to separate them. to the gentleman from Florida [Mr. bill which has all these benefits in it, it Veterans’ benefits should not be held SCARBOROUGH]. just irritates me because we have to hostage. The veterans earned it, they say on that glidepath. Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia sacrificed, they stayed away from their We had a part of the pie which was families. allocated for the Department of Veter- [Mr. LINDER] for yielding this time to ans Affairs, Department of Housing, me, and I think it is important that we I hear a lot of Members whining the Environmental Protection Agency, clarify a few things. about not being with their families this and all of these other sundry depart- First of all, we are not here tonight year. Think about the future veterans ments, bureaus, and agencies, and we because of Congress’ inability to pass who are in Bosnia tonight. That is the were willing to say to the President, an appropriation bill regarding veter- sacrifice veterans have been doing. We ‘‘Please, you tell us how you would like ans. We have done that. It is the Presi- need to protect veteran’s rights. to divide up that part of the pie,’’ and dent who vetoed it for his own political Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 he would not do it. He would not tell purposes, and that is why the Repub- minutes to the gentleman from Michi- us. So we sent him our way that we lican Congress has had to come forward gan [Mr. BONIOR]. would divide it up, and do my col- with help, with bipartisan help, on the Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, we had an leagues know what we did because Committee on Rules to pass this im- agreement. there is not enough money there for all portant rule. Last night, the President agreed to of these programs? We first determined The national parks. I heard some- sit down and talk. The Senate majority that the medical care delivery system body complain about the national leader agreed to sit down and talk. function of the VA Department of Vet- parks being closed. We did our job, we Even the Speaker of the House agreed erans Affairs had to have about a $550 passed the bill; the President vetoed it. to sit down and talk. The employees of Commerce, State, million increase in order to maintain They had a deal. the veterans hospitals outpatient clin- and Justice did not work today, not be- ics, et cetera, and in order to get that, cause we did not do our job. We passed They had a commitment to go for- then we had to cut and reduce the the bill; the President vetoed it. ward. growth of the other programs like VA–HUD, EPA, Independent Agen- But the Speaker is not willing or able NASA, like EPA, like Department of cies; all of these agencies would be to keep that commitment today. Why? Housing, and that was our way of stay- open today but for the fact that the Because a small minority in this ing on this glidepath. President of the United States did not House, who don’t represent the views of Now the President has vetoed that sign into law the appropriation bills the people, who don’t represent the bill, and that is why we are here today. that we passed. views of this House, who don’t rep- In doing so we have not reached a con- We did our job, and now if I can ad- resent the mainstream of America, who clusion, and the veterans’ checks for dress comments from the gentleman want to shut down this Government, medical compensation will not be from Wisconsin who stated, and I and force their priorities on the Amer- going out unless we pass this piece of quote, that he is disappointed in the ican people. legislation. conduct of Congress tonight. The only reason the Government is That is why today, after hearing all b 1915 shut down tonight is because 73 mili- this rhetoric out here, I believe every- tant freshman Republicans can’t get I respectfully would state to the gen- body is going to come over here, and their way. they are going to vote for this very im- tleman that Americans who elected me portant bill. We need to do it. We need and Americans who swept the Repub- And once again, national parks are to do it for these people that have sac- licans into Congress for the first time closed. rificed their lives for their country, in 40 years have been disappointed in Benefit checks for 3.3 million veter- that have come home wounded and dis- the conduct of this institution over the ans are threatened; 60,000 students and abled, and that is where most of this past 40 years, not just tonight, but over parents applying for Pell Grants and money will go. This continuing resolu- the past 40 years, when we only man- student loans are being denied. tion would allow them to get their aged to balance the budget one time in Small businesses have not received checks on time. 40 years. the loans they need. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15289 And hundreds of calls to the EPA’s monition, for He whose birth we will going to give them, what kind of life hotline for drinking water contamina- celebrate in a few days said, ‘‘It is and what kind of standard of living our tion have gone unanswered. more blessed to give than to receive.’’ veterans are going to have. All because a small group of extreme So let us give our children the chance It has saddened me deeply that the Republicans are holding America hos- for a meaningful future. Let us give President, who hails from my State, tage. this entire Nation a chance to survive has chosen, has gone to the lengths of And what are they holding out for? and prosper into the next century and using every vulnerable part of our soci- Tax breaks for the wealthiest people beyond. Let us also give our veterans, ety as pawns in this budget debate: lit- and the wealthiest corporations in those who have served with distinction, tle children and their school lunches; America, paid for by extreme cuts in the benefits they deserve. students and their loans; the disabled, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the No, the gamesmanship and the inter- as if they are going to be thrown in the environment. esting interpretations of what tran- streets; senior citizens, as if they are In other words, they are holding out spires in this body are best left to the going to lose their Medicare; and now, for the biggest transfer in income— fiction writers. The American people the veterans of this Nation, used as from the middle class to the wealthy— will understand the fiction inherent in pawns. in the history of America. the comments of the gentleman from Tragically enough, the usual biparti- The Speaker gave his word last Michigan. Members of Congress will san support that has existed for veter- night—that the talks would start—that recognize their responsibility to pass ans of this country has begun to un- we would move forward, but today, he this rule, and to pass this legislation, ravel as the VA has become more and can’t or won’t deliver. and to ensure that our veterans are more politicized, attacking those in Who is in control here? provided for, and indeed, this entire good faith who want to tend and care Who speaks for the Republican Nation is provided for. for our veterans, a concerned campaign Party? Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 to scare the most vulnerable. Does the Speaker expect us to believe minute to the gentleman from Massa- There was a veto. Had it not been for that he can’t persuade his own mem- chusetts [Mr. FRANK]. that veto, we would not face this situa- bership to stand behind his word? Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. tion that we face right now. We would This is a sad and irresponsible act by Speaker, the Republicans’ problem is have the veterans cared for. What was a party who claims to be leading a sec- with the Constitution. They want to vetoed was this: An appropriation bill ond American revolution. make very drastic, extreme changes in that in 1996 would have provided $399 Mr. Speaker we are 5 days away from programs like Medicaid and environ- million more for medical care than the Christmas. mental protection, and they do not 1995 level, a total of $16.5 billion; medi- For many of us, this holiday is about have the votes, so they have decided to cal research would increase $5 million, more than just gifts and reindeer. take the Government hostage. But to $257 million. It’s one of the most sacred and joy- they are getting a little heat. They did During the next 7 years, more than ous religious holidays of the year. not have a game plan. $275 billion will be spent on veterans’ It’s a time to celebrate our faith and So what do they do? They come up programs under our appropriation bill. a time to hold close to our families. now and say, ‘‘We will let the veterans’ That is $40 billion more than was spent It is a disgrace to watch this spec- checks get paid, but we will not let the during the last 7 years. We increase tacle of partisan gamesmanship over- EPA function, we will not let housing veterans’ programs by $40 billion at a shadow one of the most holy days of authorities function so veterans who time that the VA population, the vet- the year. live in housing will be hurt, but we will eran population, will be decreasing. For over 200,000 families who have let the VA function.’’ So now I under- That reflects a deep commitment for been shut out of work today, they are stand their game plan. It is literally a the welfare of our veterans. facing the Christmas season without game plan. This one is ‘‘Red Rover, Red In spite of that appropriation bill another paycheck. Rover, let the Veterans’ Department being vetoed, tonight we will do the re- It is wrong to hold these people hos- come over,’’ and then we will do that. sponsible thing and we will pass this tage. Tomorrow, we will hear from another CR to ensure that not one veteran’s It is wrong to hold our Government group that is complaining, and it will benefit check is delayed even 1 day, in hostage. be time to ‘‘Let the housing depart- spite of the President’s veto. I urge It is wrong to hold this Nation hos- ment come over.’’ support. tage to the views of an extreme minor- I do not know what has come over Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ity who are trying to force their way. them, but it certainly is not rational minutes to the gentlewoman from Col- The American people deserve better. government. orado [Mrs. SCHROEDER]. Defeat the previous question and get Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, I America back to work. minutes to the gentleman from Arkan- thank the gentleman from Texas for Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 sas [Mr. HUTCHINSON]. yielding time to me. minutes to the gentleman from Ari- Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor to zona [Mr. HAYWORTH]. thank the gentleman for yielding time plead with people to please, please, let Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I to me. us have a Christmas truce. Yes, I am thank the gentleman for yielding time Mr. Speaker, I would say to the pre- very pleased Members are going to to me. vious speaker that it is not a game at open the gates finally for veterans, and Mr. Speaker, I listened with great in- all. The reason we are in the situation not hold them hostage in this incred- terest to our friend, the minority whip, that we are in right now is because ible war on the budget. But what are who used the phrase ‘‘partisan games- President Clinton determined that he you going to say to small business men manship.’’ I think that accurately de- would veto a very good and very fair who cannot get their loans and need to scribes the diatribe which he launched veterans’ appropriation bill. We did our be moving forward? What are you going here from this well just a few moments job. We are faced with the dilemma we to say to students who need to be mak- ago; this mindless mantra, always deal- are tonight faced with because he chose ing their plans for going on to school, ing with fiction rather than fact, and to veto that bill. over 60,000 of them? What about the now separating out the newest Mem- A previous speaker referred to this as Federal workers whose lives have been bers of the House, those who made a a game of brinksmanship. It is not a put into a total tailspin, not knowing new majority and who, Mr. Speaker, if game of brinksmanship. It is not a what is going on. What about the we are extreme, are only extreme in game of dare. It is not a game at all. parks? Why are these people guilty? terms of making extremely good sense. There are very high stakes about what Why are they the hostages of this The gentleman noted the spiritual this is all concerned with. That is the budget war? Why should they be the significance of the days coming now. future of this Nation, the future of our hostages? At the risk of being politically incor- children, the future of our grand- Mr. Speaker, I am from Northern Ire- rect, I would offer this scriptural ad- children, what kind of hope we are land. That is where my relatives come H 15290 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 from. They used to even be able to have tioned that. We questioned the fact points. We can only assume that he did peace during the Christmas period, and that when he was at the University of so in order to evade serious discussions they have been fighting forever. We Arkansas, he told Colonel Holmes, we about balancing the budget in 7 years. now see in Bosnia all sorts of groups should not be involved in a civil war, Regardless of all the propaganda com- met in Dayton, OH, and they were able they are dangerous. Yet, he sent our ing out of the White House, there is no to come up with some kind of a peace. fighting men and women into an an- escaping the facts: If the President had These folks should not be held hostage cient civil war. done his job and signed those spending while these negotiations go on and More recently, he wrote in his jour- bills on time, we would not be facing while people argue about how big is the nal, and later affirmed that he still be- yet another day of Federal shutdown of table, how many people get to sit lieved this, that: this magnitude, and our Nation’s Vet- there, what kind of food, where are we From my work, I came to believe that no erans would not be worried about re- going to have the meeting. What is government rooted in democracy should ceiving their benefit checks on time going on? Petty, petty, petty stuff. We have the power to make its citizens fight and this month. However, because our cannot even get the thing launched and kill and die in a war they oppose, a war President vetoed those bills and be- going. which, in any case, does not involve imme- cause President Clinton still refuses to diately the peace and freedom of the Nation. To say to Americans who all work for come to the table with a balanced this same flag, who all pay money to Does he believe now that we should budget proposal using real numbers this flag as taxpayers, and who all not send our fighting men and women and meeting the 7-year commitment think it means something, they have into a war that does not involve imme- that he agreed to, we now are taking got to be really asking questions when diately the peace and freedom of the steps to provide limited spending au- for the second time this year, 3 months Nation? Regardless, that is what he has thority on behalf of our Nation’s veter- into the fiscal year, we are slamming done. ans. House Joint Resolution 134 will the door shut again. I am pleased that Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- provide the funds necessary to keeping we are opening it for veterans, but self 2 minutes. veterans’ services up and running Mr. Speaker, the previous speaker please, vote against the previous ques- throughout this negotiations process. has brought into question the patriot- tion so we can open the door for all, We know the shutdown has been dif- ism of the President of the United and in the name of the season and in ficult for many Americans besides vet- States. I would like to point out to the the name of shedding the rhetoric, let erans and we are willing to keep work- people on the other side the old saying us not hold hostage innocent people ing at the discussions to bring this that ‘‘People in glass houses should not who do not have a dog in this fight. stalemate to an end. All we need is for throw stones.’’ the President to stop the posturing and b 1930 Of the current elected Republican come to the table in good faith—and leadership of the House, not a single Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 remain true to his word. minutes to the gentleman from Ala- Member of the elected leadership of the If the President spent more time at bama [Mr. BACHUS]. Republican House has served in the Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank military. The Speaker did not serve in the negotiating conference and less the gentleman for yielding me this the military. The majority leader did time at the press conference, I believe time. not serve in the military. The whip did we would get the job done. Mr. Speaker, many years ago there not serve in the military. My counter- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 was written on a wall in Gibraltar part, the chairman of the Republican minute to the gentleman from Texas these words: Campaign Committee, did not serve in [Mr. DOGGETT]. God and the soldier all men adore; the military. Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank In time of trouble and not before. On the Democratic side, the minority the gentleman for yielding me this When trouble is gone, and all wrongs are leader [Mr. GEPHARDT] served in the time. righted, military. The minority whip [Mr. Mr. Speaker, I think if we needed any God is forgotten, and the old soldier slighted. BONIOR], served in the military. I example of why it is we have the mess Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, served in the military. in Washington that we have tonight, it today the President once again in- I resent the remarks made by the has been provided by some of the sulted and offended and slighted our previous speaker, directed at the Presi- speakers among our Republican col- military men and our veterans when he dent of the United States, and I would leagues, people that come here wanting stood up and claimed that it was Re- suggest that he direct those remarks to to even old political scores instead of publicans who were preventing their the Members of his own leadership who trying to even up the budget and get benefit checks from being mailed to chose not to serve in the military. the Government back to work. It is them, their dependents and their wid- Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I might wrong. ows. point out that none of those Repub- America wants to put an end to the Mr. Speaker, the President has of- lican leaders sent people into a war politics and to have a little good sense fended our veterans on many, many oc- zone. and maybe even a tad of goodwill at casions, and I think our veterans have Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the this time of the year. tried to overlook this in the past. When gentleman from Florida [Mr. GOSS]. he told his draft board many years ago (Mr. GOSS asked and was given per- It has been said that we would not that he was too educated to fight, to mission to revise and extend his re- have this problem if the President had wear the uniform, they overlooked marks.) not vetoed a particular piece of legisla- that. We all said, he was young, those Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the tion. Thank heavens he had the cour- of us who did serve, and we overlooked gentleman from Georgia [Mr. LINDER] age to do that, because that is a piece that. We excused the fact that he went for yielding me this time. of legislation that a majority of this to England and he led demonstrations. I do not claim to have been in leader- House, including a number of Members He was young. It was his right to lead ship here, but I did serve in the Army, from the Republican side, voted to re- demonstrations. and I was proud to do it, and I am very commit with instructions that over Then, when he became our President concerned about the veterans. $200 million added in medical benefits and we had doubts, then we started Mr. Speaker, Americans need to un- and health care benefits for our veter- hearing that his staff and the staff of derstand that the reason many Federal ans. the First Lady showed open disdain for agencies—including the administrative After a lot of arm-twisting, some of our military fighting men at the White services of the Veterans’ Administra- our Republican colleagues backed off of House, and it again made us question tion—are closed today is because our the bill and brought it back without this President and his respect for our President, President Clinton, vetoed those resources in it. fighting men. three major appropriations bills that This is a bill our veterans can under- Then sadly, recently, he sent our were sent to him last week, before the stand that the President vetoed. It is a fighting men and women into harm’s shutdown began. It appears that he ve- bill that provided for unilateral disar- way in Bosnia, and many of us ques- toed those bills to score political mament. It required a tremendous cut December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15291 in the law enforcement powers to en- trum. The first temper tantrum was b 1945 force our clean air and our clean water. thrown by the Speaker; the second is You did not pass the appropriation Thank heavens the President had the now by the Republican caucus that in- bills in time. You are saying the Presi- courage to veto that bill and then to sists that if they do not get their way dent vetoed them this week. say, as with some of these other meas- at the outset of the talks, then the Where were you when the fiscal year ures, let us keep the Government Government must be shut down. ended? You have the majority. You going. Let us protect our veterans and Mr. Speaker, we are here rewarding have an overwhelming majority, and our clean air and our clean water by veterans for their service to this coun- the veterans and the people of this operating the Government instead of try to protect a democracy. Dictating country should know it was a legisla- having a high-jack or a blackmail with the terms at the outset of negotiations tive failure. reference to that. is not in keeping with the democratic It has nothing to do with the Presi- Yet, I read, as did the thousands of spirit or principles of this Government. dent. He does not legislate it. You, my veterans in Austin, TX in today’s So I think we ought to understand why friends, messed it up. You messed it up paper, that unless this Congress acted we are here. royally. You cannot blame it on the by tomorrow, they would not get the The President had the courage to President. It was pure simple legisla- benefits that they worked for and de- veto a very bad bill; the Republicans do tive failure and you made it fail. serve. not have the courage to face the con- Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. Speaker, they are not the only sequences, and yet they want to dic- minutes to the gentleman from Indiana people. In Texas, because of the inac- tate the terms of the shutdown of the [Mr. BURTON]. tion of this Republican majority, Texas Federal Government. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- will not get $24 million for child sup- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 er, I thank the gentleman for yielding port enforcement. I think our veterans minutes to the gentleman from Vir- me the time. are important, but I think it is impor- ginia [Mr. MORAN]. Mr. Speaker, the President vetoed tant to take care of child support; an Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I would the same thing is true of ‘‘workfare’’ the bill. We did not veto the bill. The urge that we vote against this rule, be- President vetoed the bill. I think and child care as well. We need to get cause veterans, every veteran is a this Government going again, not just America should know that. former public servant, every veteran is Let me just talk about something to take care of one problem, but take a citizen, every veteran is a taxpayer. care of all of them. else that came to may attention to- Veterans do not just care about their night that really concerns me. I went Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 own benefit checks, they care about minutes to the gentleman from New to a conference that the Republicans the Federal workers that have been had today and we were unanimous, like Jersey [Mr. FRELINGHUSEN]. locked out of their jobs that cannot Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, a fist of steel, we are unanimous, 235, provide Christmas for their families I thank the gentleman for yielding me that we are going to get a balanced this week. They care about the other this time. budget in 7 years using CBO figures. Americans who are denied services be- I rise in strong support of both the But I watched television tonight, and I cause the Government is shut down, rule and the resolution. As a member saw Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather and and they care about the other tax- of the Appropriations Subcommittee their people saying that our party is payers, taxpayers who will pay out, as on VA–HUD and Independent Agencies split all to heck and that NEWT GING- of today, $900 million to Federal em- that provides funding for our veterans, RICH cannot lead, and it is all because ployees to not work. I want to make it clear, we did our job, of the freshmen that we have this prob- we passed our bill, we provided for our Federal employees want to be on the lem. Nation’s veterans. For some to suggest job, and yet every Republican on the Let me tell Dan Rather and Peter otherwise, I think is an outrage. Committee on Rules voted against an Jennings and Tom Brokaw and the Surely the President must have well amendment that I offered that would Democrats and the President, and any- understood when he vetoed the VA– let Federal employees go to work and body else, we are united. We want a HUD bill on Monday that in fact he was then get paid subsequently, and those balanced budget in 7 years using CBO jeopardizing health benefit checks for who chose not togo to work would not figures and we will not be deterred. I do our veterans. Frankly, we would not be get reimbursed, but at least we would not care what you guys tell the media. here today had the President signed not be paying money for people not to The media was spewing out exactly the VA–HUD bill and these other ap- work. I cannot believe we are creating what the Democrats have been telling propriations bills. Without the support this situation where we now are going the people tonight. It is wrong. of the President, we are taking this to pay almost $1 billion for no work We are united, we are not going to necessary action to honor our financial performed. deviate. We are going to get a balanced commitment to our veterans. Our vet- We have an opportunity tonight to budget in 7 years using CBO figures or erans deserve nothing less. We need to rectify an unconscionable situation, else. I just want to tell everybody that support the rule and the bill. unconscionable to Federal employees, I get a little bit concerned when I see Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 to taxpayers, to the entire American the national media spewing out gar- minute to the gentleman from Califor- public. We ought to do it, do it now, bage that I know to be false. We had a nia [Mr. MILLER]. add it to this rule. But without it being conference today and when NEWT GING- (Mr. MILLER of California asked and added to the rule, we ought to vote it RICH walked into that room, he got a was given permission to revise and ex- down. standing ovation. Everybody ap- tend his remarks.) Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 plauded. And yet they keep telling us Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. minute to the gentleman from Texas on television, he cannot lead our party. Speaker, it has been suggested the last [Mr. DE LA GARZA]. He is leading our party, he is doing a couple of days that the shutdown of the Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I am great job. We are united. So, Mr. Presi- Federal Government by the Repub- getting tired of finger-pointing, blam- dent, Mr. Brokaw, Mr. Jennings, Mr. licans is a matter of high principle, but ing the President and Mrs. Clinton for Rather, my Democrat colleagues, we apparently that is not so, because if everything that is happening. are united, we are going to get it one you have the strength of the veterans’ My friends, we are here tonight on way or another, and we are not going lobbies and you have the concerns of the verge of closing the Government to pass any more CRs until we do. this Congress that we have for veter- because you did not pass the appropria- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 ans, you can escape that. But if you are tions bills in time. That is the main seconds to the gentleman from Wiscon- trying to refinance your home or you reason. It is a legislative failure, Mr. sin [Mr. OBEY]. are trying to buy your first home or Speaker; the Republicans failed. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, evidently you are trying to provide for your fam- I have told my colleagues, and I will what the previous speaker is saying is ily, you will be out of luck. tell them again, my colleagues waited they have not been able to fool the This is not a matter of high prin- 40 years to be in power and they have public, they have not been able to fool ciple; this is again another temper tan- messed it up the first year. the President, they have not been able H 15292 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 to fool the press, and somehow it is Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 be a lean Christmas because they do somebody’s fault but not their own. minutes to the gentleman from Florida not know when or if they will get their If you want to know why your posi- [Mr. STEARNS]. next paycheck. tion is not selling, if you want to know Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank It is right that we are making cer- why you are in trouble, look in the the gentleman for yielding me the tain that veterns do not suffer because mirror. It is because of the way you time. the Republican majority failed to have been acting. Do not blame some- Mr. Speaker, what kind of message produce a budget. Now it is time to body else for your own failure to meet are we sending tonight to those cur- summon the same compassion for the your responsibilities. People know rently stationed in various war zones 250,000 families who are the unfortu- what you are doing. They have caught around the world? nate pawns in Speaker GINGRICH’s on. They do not like it and they want We really should not be blaming each game of budget blackmail. you to change it. other, no matter what party we are The Speaker would have you believe Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 from. that he did not want to break his minutes to the gentleman from Illinois All of us should urge passage of this promise to the President to reopen the [Mr. DURBIN]. legislation. I think it is clear tonight, Government. He claims that the ex- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, this is a if the President had signed the VA– tremists in his party forced his hand. sad situation. I do not take any com- HUD bill, we would not be in this sorry But we all know that this extreme fort in standing in this well realizing position that we are in here tonight. agenda is the Speaker’s agenda, to cut that a quarter of a million Federal em- We would not have to have a continu- Medicare and Medicaid and education ployees have been sent home. ing resolution to ensure that our veter- to pay for a tax break for the wealthi- Some people on the Republican side ans receive their rightful and hard- est Americans. of the aisle believe that this is part of earned benefits. Mr. Speaker, give Americans an early a grand political strategy. They say it I could sit here tonight and blame Christmas present, a budget that re- is a matter of principle. If it is a mat- you and you could blame us. But to- flects their priorities and not yours. ter of principle, you should put your night we should all come together and Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 own paychecks on the line, not the pass this continuing resolution. Maybe minute to the gentleman from Florida paychecks of innocent Federal employ- the President had a good reason to not [Mr. WELDON]. ees who showed up for work ready to do sign the VA–HUD appropriations bill. Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- their job, and were sent home to an un- Maybe he had his reasons and maybe a er, yesterday the President of the Unit- certain future and for many of them an lot of your agree with him, but I have ed States had the opportunity to sign unhappy Christmas season. been here before when I saw you pro- an appropriations bill that we pre- But the sad fact of the matter is, nei- vide a VA–HUD bill that we did not sented to him which would have funded ther Speaker NEWT GINGRICH nor any of like. the Veterans Administration, as well the Republican leaders has been willing But now the bickering is over. There as the Department of Housing and to put his paycheck on the line and is no use screaming and hollering. Let Urban Development, as well as NASA. say, as a matter of principle, ‘‘I will us think about our veterans first and POINT OF ORDER not get paid until this budget crisis is let us proceed and pass this continuing over.’’ No, you will all be in line to get resolution. But, frankly, I think all of Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, point of your checks but you say to a quarter of us should realize that this problem can order. a million Federal employees, ‘‘You are be solved by the President signing the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the ones who will have to sacrifice for VA–HUD appropriations bill; we would LAHOOD). The Chair recognizes the gen- principle.’’ not be here tonight this close to tleman from Texas for a point of order. So tonight comes this resolution be- Christmas discussing this if he had Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, the gen- cause, quite frankly, we all honor the signed the VA–HUD appropriation bill. tleman has removed the button from veterans. We want to do our best by Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 his lapel. them, and maybe inadvertently, but minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- certainly you have to admit it is a fact, necticut [Ms. DELAURO]. tleman from Florida may proceed. the veterans are losing out because of Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mr. WELDON of Florida. I thank the the Republican strategy. They may not support of our veterans and against the Speaker. get their checks in time, and the Re- previous question. Again I would like to resume and just publicans are afraid of that. They are I am pleased that America’s veterans point out that the President had the afraid of facing veterans’ groups, try- will not be held hostage to the budget opportunity to fund NASA. He had the ing to explain how this crazy strategy impasse. What I do not understand is opportunity to fund the VA. And he of theirs did not penalize any Repub- why Republicans are willing to make chose not to. He chose to veto that bill. lican Members of Congress but may this concession for veterans but not for Today we have a good piece of legisla- have penalized some veterans unwit- the 250,000 Federal employees who are tion before us here which will at least tingly. out of work because of the shutdown. keep the veterans’ checks going to our I will be with you on the veterans, As we embark on the holiday season, needy veterans, the veterans in Dis- but let me tell you, do not forget the I ask my Republican colleagues to trict 15 of Florida that need them. other people you are hurting. think about those 250,000 families. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support When you suspend medical research The gentleman from Virginia [Mr. of this legislation and I rise in strong at the National Institutes of Health, MORAN] came to the floor yesterday support of the rule. you are hurting every family in Amer- and put a human face on the Govern- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ica. When you suspend the awarding of ment shutdown when he told a story minutes to the gentlewoman from Pell grants and student loans to kids about his visit to a local elementary Florida [Mrs. THURMAN]. from working families, you are hurting school. He said that the teachers told Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is every family in America. When you him that the children were not enjoy- time to stop the suffering of the people. suspend the activities of the Depart- ing the holidays as they had in the But, that can be done only if we bring ment of Housing and Urban Develop- past. a clean continuing resolution to the ment, you are saying to families who Why are these children not enjoying House floor tonight. have been dreaming for a lifetime that the holidays? Because many of their Is the other side afraid of the out- they might own their own home, ‘‘Wait parents are Federal employees, hard- come of a vote on a straight, clean CR? until Newt is ready.’’ That is unfair. working men and women who now find If not, then give the House a chance. If it is a matter of principle, put your themselves out of work at Christmas- Straight. Up or down. own paycheck on the line. Do not put time. They want to be working. A month ago, we exempted from this the paychecks of 250,000 innocent Fed- And the children? They hear their Republican-imposed government shut- eral employees on the line. Support parents fighting, they know that Mom down the Federal workers who help ‘‘no budget, no pay.’’ It is the only way and Dad are not working. They listen people on social security. Tonight, we to end this crisis. to their parents explain that this will are helping veterans. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15293 Who is next? What about the first- understand why adult presumably re- SECTION 1. FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIA- time home buyer whose HUD loan can- sponsible individuals they have sent to TIONS. not be approved by the end of the represent them from 435 districts Section 106(c) of Public Law 104–56 is amended by striking ‘‘December 15, 1995’’ and month? What about the senior citizen throughout America cannot honestly inserting ‘‘January 26, 1996’’. who needs a simple hot meal once a debate and come to resolve the dif- SEC. 2. MILITARY PAY RAISE FOR FISCAL YEAR day? Or the student applying for a col- ferences between them and, indeed, to 1996. lege loan? compromise. (a) WAIVER OF SECTION 1009 ADJUSTMENT.— These programs also are affected by Our Speaker has said that he will co- Any adjustment required by section 1009 of the inaction of the other side of the operate but not compromise. There is title 37, United States Code, in elements of aisle. My Democratic colleagues col- not an American who lives who has compensation of members of the uniformed leagues and I are willing to keep vital been in a family who knows that com- services to become effective during fiscal functions operating during budget ne- year 1996 shall not be made. promise is essential if those with dif- (b) INCREASE IN BASIC PAY AND BAS.—Ef- gotiations. A shutdown is not nec- ferences are to make progress. fective on January 1, 1996, the rates of basic essary for negotiations. Indeed, a shut- We have shut down a portion of the pay and basic allowance for subsistence of down could have been avoided if, as in Government. Not only will it not solve members of the uniformed services are in- the 103d Congress, the majority had the budget deficit problem, it will add creased by 2.4 percent. passed its appropriations bills by mid- to it. There is a cost to doing that. (c) INCREASE IN BAQ.—Effective on Janu- November. Those of you on your side of the aisle ary 1, 1996, the rates of basic allowance for Because I support not only veterans quarters of members of the uniformed serv- talk about privatize go and contracting ices are increased by 5.2 percent. but also new home buyers, needy stu- out and in fact we have done that. A dents, and senior citizens, I urge Mem- SEC. 3. ELIMINATION OF DISPARITY BETWEEN lot of people talk about Federal em- EFFECTIVE DATES FOR MILITARY bers of good will toward their fellow ployees, but let me tell you, there are AND CIVILIAN RETIREE COST-OF- Americans to pass a clean CR tonight. a lot of contractors out there for LIVING ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996. Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I have one NASA, somebody mentioned NASA, (A) IN GENERAL.—The fiscal year 1996 in- speaker left, and I reserve the right to who have been told, you cannot work. close. crease in military retired pay shall (notwith- They and their employees are not standing subparagraph (B) of section Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of drawing a salary. And notwithstanding 1401a(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code) my time. Mr. GINGRICH’s letter, nobody is saying first be payable as part of such retired pay Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I would in- they are going to be reimbursed. My for the month of March 1996. quire the amount of time I have re- colleagues, America expects of us re- (b) DEFINITIONS.—For the purposes of sub- maining. sponsibility. America expects us to act section (a): The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- in a fashion which will bring credit to (1) The term ‘‘fiscal year 1996 increase in military retired pay’’ means the increase in tleman from Texas [Mr. FROST] has 31⁄2 our Government and to our country. I minutes remaining. retired pay that, pursuant to paragraph (1) of am going to vote for this resolution section 1401a(b) of title 10, United States Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 but it ought to be a resolution affect go Code, becomes effective on December 1, 1995. minute to the gentleman from Con- all of the Government that is shut (2) The term ‘‘retired pay’’ includes re- necticut [Mr. GEJDENSON]. down. tainer pay. Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, by (c) FINANCING.—The Secretary of Defense the action of the Republicans this PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY shall transfer, from any other funds made evening, we see how easy it would be to Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. available to the Department of Defense, such make whole all the Federal employees, Speaker, I have a parliamentary in- sums as may be necessary for payment to all the people out there looking for quiry. the Department of Defense Military Retire- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ment Fund solely for the purpose of offset- services, while we continue to nego- ting the estimated increase in outlays to be tiate an agreement for 7 years. There LAHOOD). The gentleman will state it. made from such Fund in fiscal year 1996 by virtually is no difference in spending in Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. reason of the provisions of subsection (a). 1996. Speaker, I have a privileged resolution. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, We are going to take care of veter- When would be the proper time to the transfer authority made available to the ans’ benefits in this one instance. But bring it before this body? Secretary in Public Law 104–61 or any other if you are a veteran working for the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The law shall be increased by the amounts re- Federal Government in one of the quired to carry out the provisions of this sec- Chair will not respond to that at this tion. other agencies that shut down tonight, point without knowledge of the resolu- you are not getting a paycheck or you tion. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. are in limbo at the moment. If you are The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield a veteran trying to get a new student from Texas [Mr. FROST]. loan, you cannot get that student loan myself the balance of my time. Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- because we are taking care of one small self such time as I may consume. group of veterans as compared to all tleman from Georgia, [Mr. LINDER], is Mr. Speaker. I urge a note vote on the veterans out there asking Federal recognized for 5 minutes. the previous question. If the previous services. Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, one of the question is defeated, I shall offer an first persons to speak on this rule b 2000 amendment to the rule which would noted that the networks told the coun- If you are a veteran looking for an make in order the text of House Joint try last night that we would be work- SBA loan to bridge some spending for Resolution 131. This resolution would ing again. A two-hour meeting in the your company or to help you reorga- provide for a clean continuing resolu- White House with our leadership led us nize so you can keep your business and tion that would fund the Government to believe that was the case. your family together, you do not have through January 26th and would also The morning papers all said that the any Government services today. Veter- provide for the military pay raise and President has agreed to put on the ans who are waiting for the benefits of retiree COLA provided for in the De- table his specific budget proposal using biomedical research are left out. We fense authorization bill that was CBO numbers and shortly thereafter need to solve all our country’s prob- passed by the House earlier this month. the Vice President spoke and said, no, lems and the veterans and we could do This amendment is in addition to the we are not going to do that. it tonight. continuation of veterans’ benefits. I in- We have not just 73 Republican fresh- Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 clude the text of the amendment at men but 236 members of a caucus that minute and 30 seconds to the gen- this point in the RECORD. is still growing that are very, very tleman from Maryland [Mr. HOYER]. H.J. RES. 131 frustrated in trying to reach a bal- My. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, Ameri- Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- anced budget in 7 years using honest cans, as I said earlier today, are dis- resentatives of the United States of America in numbers. We are not only frustrated tressed. They are angry. They do not Congress assembled, but we are united that we will balance H 15294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 the budget using honest numbers in 7 trashing our specifics in our districts Hancock Martini Schaefer Hansen McCollum Schiff years and we will do it now. where we have marginal districts for Hastert McCrery Seastrand This administration has had so many freshmen. We are not going to do that Hastings (WA) McDade Sensenbrenner different positions on this issue that it again. We are going to keep the feet to Hayes McHugh Shadegg is hardly worth recounting, but it re- the fire. Hayworth McInnis Shaw Hefley McIntosh Shays minds me, dealing with this adminis- It is unfortunate that decent, hard- Heineman McKeon Shuster tration reminds me of duck hunting. working, honest Federal employees are Herger Metcalf Skeen You get off in the wind, because every caught in this pinch. But the Presi- Hilleary Meyers Skelton time you see a target it moves and the Hobson Mica Smith (MI) dent, seemingly to bolster the notion Hoekstra Miller (FL) Smith (NJ) wind changes it. in this country that he believes some- Hoke Molinari Smith (TX) Virtually every speaker on this rule thing, has chosen to pitch a battle with Horn Montgomery Smith (WA) tonight voted against the balanced the Congress of the United States. It Hostettler Moorhead Solomon budget amendment, the coalition’s bal- Houghton Morella Souder seems to have helped him in the polls Hunter Myrick Spence anced budget and our balanced budget. and he seems to think that is the thing Hutchinson Nethercutt Stearns We are faced not with Members who to get reelected on so he will continue Hyde Neumann Stockman want to balance the budget under dif- Inglis Ney Stump to veto and we will continue to have Johnson (CT) Norwood Talent ferent terms but with Members who this problem. But I tell my colleagues, Johnson, Sam Nussle Tate want to spend more money, liberal ex- from our point of view, we are united. Jones Oxley Tauzin tremists who want to spend more We were sent here to change the eco- Kasich Parker Taylor (MS) money. And that is what the whole Kelly Paxon Taylor (NC) nomic direction of this nation, to bal- Kim Peterson (MN) Thomas thing is about. ance the budget for our children and King Petri Thornberry We should have gotten off the discus- grandchildren. We intend to do that. Kingston Pickett Tiahrt sion of whose numbers we use and just Klug Pombo Torkildsen Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Knollenberg Porter Upton say we are not going to spend more of my time, and I move the previous Kolbe Portman Vucanovich than $12 trillion. Sit down at the table question on the resolution. LaHood Pryce Waldholtz with us, argue priorities, but we are The previous question was ordered. Largent Quillen Walker not going to continue to spend money Latham Quinn Walsh The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LaTourette Radanovich Wamp that we have not raised. That is our question is on ordering the previous Laughlin Ramstad Watts (OK) children and grandchildren’s money. question. Lazio Regula Weldon (FL) There is not a program in this budget Leach Riggs Weller The question was taken; and the Lewis (CA) Roberts White that cannot be defended by somebody, Speaker pro tempore announced that Lewis (KY) Rogers Whitfield but we should not be spending it if we the ayes appeared to have it. Lightfoot Rohrabacher Wicker have not raised it. Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I object to Lincoln Ros-Lehtinen Wolf We have for 30 years voted ourselves Linder Roth Young (AK) the vote on the ground that a quorum Livingston Royce Young (FL) wishes and dreams over needs and is not present and make the point of LoBiondo Salmon Zeliff passed the bill on to future genera- order that a quorum is not present. Longley Sanford Zimmer tions. And this Republican majority Lucas Saxton The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Manzullo Scarborough said that is going to stop. dently a quorum is not present. Much has happened; much movement The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- NAYS—172 has occurred. We now are all discussing sent Members. Abercrombie Fattah McCarthy a 7-year balanced budget and by the Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5 Ackerman Fazio McDermott time this weekend or early next week of rule XV, the Chair announces that Andrews Fields (LA) McHale Baesler Ford McKinney passes, we will be talking about using he will reduce to a minimum of 5 min- the same numbers. I think by the end Baldacci Frank (MA) McNulty utes the period of time within which a Barcia Frost Meehan of the year, we will have passed and the vote by electronic device, if ordered, Barrett (WI) Furse Meek President will have signed a 7-year bal- will be taken on the question of agree- Becerra Gejdenson Menendez anced budget with honest numbers and Bentsen Gephardt Mfume ing to the resolution. Berman Gibbons Miller (CA) we will have done our children and The vote was taken by electronic de- Bevill Gonzalez Minge grandchildren a great service. It is vice, and there were—yeas 238, nays Bishop Gordon Mink Bonior Green Moakley time. 172, not voting 23, as follows: Frankly, the numbers are not that Borski Hamilton Mollohan [Roll No. 871] Boucher Harman Moran far apart. We want to increase spending Brown (CA) Hastings (FL) Murtha 3 percent; the President wants to in- YEAS—238 Brown (FL) Hefner Nadler crease it 4 percent. We want to pre- Allard Calvert Ehrlich Brown (OH) Hilliard Neal sume an additional 5 percent revenue; Archer Camp Emerson Bryant (TX) Hinchey Oberstar Armey Campbell English Cardin Holden Obey the President wants to presume 5.5. Bachus Canady Ensign Clay Hoyer Olver The numbers are not that far apart. Baker (CA) Castle Everett Clayton Jackson (IL) Ortiz We can get together if we will just sit Baker (LA) Chabot Ewing Clement Jackson-Lee Orton Ballenger Chambliss Fawell Clyburn (TX) Owens down and honestly and Barr Chenoweth Fields (TX) Coleman Jacobs Pallone straightforwardly look each other in Barrett (NE) Christensen Flanagan Collins (IL) Jefferson Pastor the eye and say, where are your prior- Bartlett Chrysler Foley Collins (MI) Johnson (SD) Payne (NJ) ities? The President’s budget is not on Barton Clinger Forbes Condit Johnson, E. B. Pelosi Bass Coble Fowler Costello Johnston Peterson (FL) the table using the same numbers, even Bateman Coburn Fox Coyne Kanjorski Pomeroy though he has said he would do that. Bereuter Collins (GA) Franks (CT) Cramer Kaptur Poshard So this effort tonight under this rule is Bilbray Combest Franks (NJ) Danner Kennedy (MA) Rahall Bilirakis Cooley Frelinghuysen Davis Kennedy (RI) Rangel merely to say for those veterans who Bliley Cox Frisa de la Garza Kennelly Reed have served their nation, who have Blute Crane Funderburk DeFazio Kildee Richardson earned their benefits, we are going to Boehlert Crapo Gallegly DeLauro Kleczka Rivers pass a continuing resolution to assure Boehner Cremeans Ganske Dellums Klink Roemer Bonilla Cubin Gekas Deutsch LaFalce Roukema that you will get your checks. We are Bono Cunningham Geren Dicks Levin Roybal-Allard not inclined to pass a continuing reso- Brewster Deal Gillmor Dingell Lewis (GA) Rush lution for the rest of the government Browder DeLay Gilman Dixon Lipinski Sabo Brownback Diaz-Balart Goodlatte Doggett Lofgren Sanders because it will take entirely the pres- Bryant (TN) Dickey Goodling Dooley Lowey Sawyer sure off the President. The last time we Bunn Doolittle Goss Doyle Luther Schroeder did that, under certain assurances, 30 Bunning Dornan Graham Durbin Maloney Schumer days went by where we were hammered Burr Dreier Greenwood Engel Manton Scott Burton Duncan Gunderson Eshoo Markey Serrano and demagogued with our specific num- Buyer Dunn Gutknecht Evans Mascara Sisisky bers; $30 million was spent by unions Callahan Ehlers Hall (TX) Farr Matsui Slaughter December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15295 Spratt Thurman Ward designee adding at the end of House Joint fits are benefits under laws administered by Stenholm Torres Waters Resolution 134 a new title II consisting of the the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that have Stokes Torricelli Watt (NC) text of House Joint Resolution 131, continu- been adjudicated and authorized for payment Studds Towns Waxman Stupak Traficant Wise ing funds for many critical Federal depart- as of— Tanner Velazquez Woolsey ments through January 26, 1996, and author- (1) December 15, 1995; or Tejeda Vento Wyden izing a 2.4 percent pay raise for the Armed (2) if appropriations for such benefits are Thompson Visclosky Wynn Forces of the United States. All points of available (other than pursuant to Thornton Volkmer order shall be waived against such an amend- subsection(b)) after December 15, 1995, the NOT VOTING—23 ment. last day on which appropriations for pay- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ment of such benefits are available (other Beilenson Gutierrez Rose than pursuant to subsection (b)). Chapman Hall (OH) Skaggs LAHOOD). Under the guidelines consist- Conyers Istook Stark ently issued by successive Speakers as The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Edwards Lantos Weldon (PA) ant to House Resolution 317, the gen- Filner Martinez Williams recorded on page 534 of the House Rules Flake Myers Wilson Manual, specifically the guideline of tleman from Louisiana [Mr. LIVING- Foglietta Packard Yates November 14, 1991, the Chair is con- STON] will be recognized for 30 minutes, Gilchrest Payne (VA) strained not to entertain the gentle- and the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. f man’s request until it has been cleared OBEY] will be recognized for 30 min- utes. b 2028 by the bipartisan floor and committee leadership. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Ms. BROWN of Florida changed her Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I would urge from Louisiana [Mr. LIVINGSTON]. vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ the Speaker to clear that request. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. SKELTON and Mr. PICKETT f yield myself such time as I may changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to consume. ‘‘yea.’’ FURTHER CONTINUING APPRO- (Mr. LIVINGSTON asked and was So the previous question was ordered. PRIATIONS TO ENSURE PAY- given permission to revise and extend The result of the vote was announced MENTS OF VETERANS BENEFITS his remarks.) as above recorded. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, pur- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. suant to House Resolution 317, I call up bring to the floor a continuing resolu- LAHOOD). The question is on the resolu- the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 134) tion for certain activities of the De- tion. making further continuing appropria- partment of Veterans Affairs. This con- The resolution was agreed to. tions for the fiscal year 1996, and for tinuing resolution would only have ef- A motion to reconsider was laid on other purposes, and ask for its imme- fect in fiscal year 1996 during periods the table. diate consideration in the House. when appropriations are otherwise not f The Clerk read the title of the joint available. This is the situation we are in right now. If the regular bill or an- b 2030 resolution. The text of the joint resolution is as other CR is enacted, then this particu- Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I was follows: lar continuing resolution would not be here during the entire last vote. I put H.J. RES. 134 operable. my card in and pushed the button. It Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- The activities provided for in this apparently did not record. If it would resentatives of the United States of America in continuing resolution are payments for have recorded, it would have recorded a Congress assembled, That the following sums compensation, pensions, and edu- ‘‘yes’’ vote. are hereby appropriated, out of any money in cational benefits within the Depart- f the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, ment of Veterans Affairs. In addition, and out of applicable corporate or other rev- it also provides for payments to con- GENERAL LEAVE enues, receipts, and funds, for the several de- tractors for services that directly re- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask partments, agencies, corporations and other organizational units of Government for the late to patient health and safety. It unanimous consent that all Members fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes, also provides for the necessary admin- may have 5 legislative days within namely: istrative expenses to carry out these which to revise and extend their re- Sec. 101. ENSURED PAYMENT DURING FISCAL activities. marks on House Joint Resolution 134, YEAR 1996 OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS Mr. Speaker, this continuing resolu- and that I may include tabular and ex- IN EVENT OF LACK OF APPROPRIA- tion will assure that veterans benefits TIONS. traneous material. checks will be received on time, at the The SPEAKER. Is there objection to (a) PAYMENTS REQUIRED.—In any case dur- ing fiscal year 1996 in which appropriations end of the month, and in the full the request of the gentleman from Lou- are not otherwise available for programs, amount authorized. Let me stress, had isiana? projects, and activities of the Department of the President not vetoed the VA–HUD There was no objection. Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans bill, this continuing resolution would f Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that— not have been necessary and these ben- (1) payments of existing veterans benefits efits would have been paid. These bene- CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4, are made in accordance with regular proce- fits would have been paid and this CR dures and schedules and in accordance with PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND would not have been necessary if the WORK OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 1995 eligibility requirements for such benefits; and President had not vetoed the VA–HUD Mr. ARCHER laid before the House a (2) payments to contractors of the Veter- bill. Once again, these benefits would conference report and statement on the ans Health Administration of the Depart- have been paid if the President had not bill (H.R. 4) to restore the American ment of Veterans Affairs are made when due vetoed the VA–HUD bill. I want every- family, reduce illegitimacy, control in the case of services provided that directly body to understand it. He vetoed it. welfare spending and reduce welfare de- relate to patient health and safety. That is why we are here today. The pendence: (b) FUNDING.—There is hereby appropriated President vetoed it. (The conference report on H.R. 4 will such sums as may be necessary for the pay- ments pursuant to subsection (a), including Mr. Speaker, I urge all my friends appear in a subsequent issue of the such amounts as may be necessary for the and colleagues to support this resolu- RECORD.) costs of administration of such payments. tion. f (c) CHARGING OF ACCOUNTS WHEN APPRO- Mr. Speaker, two more points. This PRIATIONS MADE.—In any case in which the bill is necessary because the President REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO Secretary uses the authority of subsection vetoed the VA–HUD bill, but it would AMEND HOUSE RESOLUTION 317 (a) to make payments, applicable accounts not be necessary to progress through Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- shall be charged for amounts so paid, and for both houses and be enacted into law if the costs of administration of such pay- mous consent that the rule just passed ments, when regular appropriations become the President would, in good faith, be amended to read as follows: available for those purposes. come to the bargaining table, reach a It shall be also in order to consider an (d) EXISTING BENEFITS SPECIFIED.—For pur- final agreement on a 7-year balanced amendment by the minority leader or his poses of this section, existing veterans bene- budget, according to Congressional H 15296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 Budget Office numbers, and put this is saying that they will not allow the here is that the American public is whole deal to bed and let us get out of remainder of the Government to re- simply being held hostage to the power here. But so far that is not happening. open; since they have been closed down agenda of the new 73 freshmen who We cannot get a deal from the Presi- this week, they only want us to allow have come into this place on the Re- dent, so we progress into the Christmas the Veterans Department to reopen, publican side of the aisle. They have a holidays. and then only for certain purposes. perfect right to be here and do any- Mr. Speaker, let me remind our col- Now, we think it is fine that this bill thing they think is in the interests of leagues, let me remind everyone here will say, OK, let us pay veterans’ bene- their constituents, but the American that the House went on record on Mon- fits, let us pay veterans’ disability ben- citizens will judge the balance and the day by a vote of 351 to 40 in favor of a efits, let us pay veterans’ pensions, let temperament that they bring to those balanced budget within 7 years as us pay their education benefits, and efforts. also let us pay some contractors with scored by the Congressional Budget Of- I would simply say that what we the VA. But we would also ask the fol- fice. Yesterday, on Tuesday, the Presi- really face was summed up by my very lowing questions: dent’s budget got zero votes, zero good friend, the chairman of the com- votes; none on the Republican side, Why should we not also allow the Veterans Department to process legiti- mittee on Appropriations [Mr. LIVING- none of the Democratic side. The Presi- STON]. dent’s budget got zero votes. mate new claims for veterans’ benefits? Now we are on record for a 7-year Some 2,000 veterans will apply each When the President signed the De- balanced budget as scored by the CBO. week for benefits to which they are en- fense appropriation bill, against my ad- His budget got zero. That leaves only titled by law. Why should not the Vet- vice, because I warned him that he one alternative. That leaves the alter- erans Department be open to provide would then lose whatever leverage he native of the President coming to the those services? had on the remainder of the appropria- bargaining table with the leaders of the Why should the Veterans Department tions bills, the President signed that Congress and reaching a deal, reaching not be open, further, to provide serv- bill for two reasons: because he wanted a deal that allows us to fund govern- ices for home loans? Veterans have a bipartisan consideration of his policy ment, to score the budget according to earned the right to those home loans. in Bosnia, and because he thought that the Congressional Budget Office with a Why should they not be allowed to it would be taken as a sign of goodwill balanced budget for 7 years, and to go have those claims processed? to our Republican friends in the major- I would also ask, why should not vet- home. I hope that happens, Mr. Speak- ity on other appropriation items. erans who want to go to Yosemite be er. Instead, the following day, the chair- able to get in? man of the Committee on Appropria- Today, today I might remind our col- Why should not veterans who need tions said as follows: leagues, today we overrode his veto on education loans be able to have those the securities litigation bill. This place processed, or to have the Pell grants The President is at our mercy. If the gov- is not getting better for the President. open for application for everyone? ernment shuts down on December 15 and He should come and cut a deal. Why should we only open up the Gov- 300,000 people are again out of work, most of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ernment for a very narrow band of the people going out will be his people. I my time. American citizens? think he is going to care more than we do. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The taxpayers have paid their hard- Now, as everyone knows, I have a self such time as I may consume. earned money so that they might get great deal of respect and affection for Mr. Speaker, let me simply say that all of the Government services to the chairman of this committee. We nobody is opposed to this bill. This bill which they are entitled, and unless we have been friends for years, and we will pass, probably 435 to nothing. Our go beyond this resolution tonight, they have had a constructive working rela- objection is not to this proposal. Our will not get those services. That is our tionship for years. But I think that the objection is to not going beyond this objection. leverage which other power centers in proposal. What is happening is very clear. this body are bringing to bear on the We are here because the appropria- There was an agreement yesterday tions legislation was delayed for 90 appropriations process is making it that the President and the leaders of very difficult for this House to do its days in this House because our friends both parties would try to reopen dis- on the Republican side of the aisle duty to every single citizen in this cussions for a 7-year budget, and at the country. wanted first to adopt their contract. same time, they would explore ways to That is their privilege. They are in the open the Government for all citizens. We have a duty not just to disagree majority. They run the House. But as a Instead, tonight, the network news on what we disagree upon; we also have practical consequence of that, that tells us because that agreement blew a duty to agree on that which we can meant that the appropriations bills up in the Republican caucus, again we agree upon. Right now, we ought to at were shoved back 90 days in the cycle. face the prospect of not having any least be able to agree upon the idea That meant that there was no possible continuation of services from those de- that every citizen of this country has a way for the gentleman from Louisiana partments shut down. right to the full range of services that [Mr. LIVINGSTON] to produce all of the Mr. Speaker, the gentlemen in the he has paid for. He cannot have access appropriation bills on time. well here likes to laugh every time to those services when the Government The when the bills were brought to somebody else is speaking. I would ask is shut down. the floor, a number of extraneous legis- him for the same courtesy I give him So what I ask my colleagues to do to- lative items were added to the bills, every time he speaks. night is not only to support this resolu- and that slowed up consideration of Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, will tion, but to support our efforts at the those bills even more. That meant that the gentleman yield? end of the debate in our recommittal by the time of October 1, the beginning Mr. OBEY. No, I will not, until the motion to expand the services which of the new fiscal year, a huge number gentleman demonstrates some degree are providing a narrow range for some of appropriation bills had not yet be- of courtesy. veterans’ programs, expand those to all come law. That and only that neces- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. veterans’ programs and, indeed, all of sitated the passage of a continuing res- LAHOOD). The gentleman from Wiscon- the programs to which our citizens are olution. You do not need a continuing sin has the time, and the Chair would entitled. if we do not do that, we are resolution to keep discussions going ask Members to extend the same cour- not earning our salaries; we are not between the President and the Speaker tesy to speakers when they are in the providing the services which our tax- on a 7-year budget proposal. You need well, speaking on this bill to all Mem- payers have a right to expect. a continuing resolution simply because bers. Let us extend courtesy to one an- Forget the leverage games, forget the the 1-year appropriations have not be- zeal, remember your duty; open up the come law. other. The gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. entire Government for the benefit of b 2045 OBEY]. the American people. So tonight we have a proposition be- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, let me sim- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I fore us under which the majority party ply say that I think what is at stake yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15297
New York [Mr. GILMAN] the distin- Arkansas [Mr. HUTCHINSON], the distin- those 275,000 or 280,000 people that are guished chairman of the Committee on guished chairman of the Subcommittee going to be out of work have children National Security. on Hospitals and Health Care of the and grandchildren that are going to be (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given Committee on Veterans Affairs. impacted because their parents and permission to revise and extend his re- Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, I their grandparents are out of work; and marks.) thank the gentleman for yielding me I would suspect that there are some Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank this time. veterans, whom I strongly support and the gentleman for yielding me this Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gen- take no back seat to anybody in this time. tleman who just spoke that there is building, that have children and grand- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in nothing that we can do for our children children with jobs that are going to be strong support of House Joint Resolu- that is more important than balancing impacted by this shutdown of govern- tion 134, a continuing resolution to ex- the budget. If you want to talk about ment. tend veterans’ benefits for the month pitting something against the young I was watching television the other of January. I commend the distin- people of this country, then please talk night, and I was watching some of the guished gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. about the crushing load of debt that we freshmen on the Republican side, which LIVINGSTON] for his worthy efforts in are transferring to them because of our shows what kind of life I lead. But a bringing this important measure to the selfishness. Talk about the $187,000 in young man from Tennessee said, we floor at this time. taxes that they are going to pay during want to close the Government down. In these days of fiscal debate and dis- their lifetime to pay for our profligacy That is what we want to do, close this agreement, it is crucial that we forget and our unwillingness to discipline our- Government down. those who rely on us. There are mil- selves. What do my colleagues have against lions of deserving veterans who depend I say to my colleagues there is noth- those 270,000 people that have abso- upon their monthly pension or disabil- ing more proveteran than balancing lutely nothing to do with this budget ity checks. It would be an injustice if the budget. They know what it is to argument? Absolutely nothing. we, in our current impasse over the serve this country, and they could use Now, what we can do, we can do a budget, allow these veterans’ checks, the 2-percent lower interest rates that resolution that lets these people go which contain a 2.6-cost-of-living ad- a balanced budget will mean. back to work, go to their jobs; and we justment, not to be processed due to a One of the speakers on the other side will stay here all weekend, and my col- lack of authorized funds. referred to the veterans of this coun- leagues can take turns thrashing the Our Nation’s veterans answered their try, the 2.2 million veterans who are President. Will that not serve the same country’s call, sacrificing their time, going to be affected by this resolution purpose? quite often their health. They loyally this evening, as a narrow band of our These people have absolutely nothing fulfilled their duty to their Nation. In society. Well, 2.2 million veterans are to do with the budget negotiations. this holiday season, their Nation not a narrow band, and they are the These people have been put out of work should fulfill its obligation to them. most deserving constituency in this for absolutely no reason, and I chal- This resolution will fulfill that obliga- country. lenge anybody on this side to give me tion, even as we continue our impor- What we are doing is right, and what a reasonable reason why we are putting tant debate over a balanced budget. we are doing is responsible. these people out of work here 3 or 4 Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to Mr. Speaker, 2.2 million veterans re- days from Christmas when they could fully support this worthy measure de- ceiving compensation for their service- be shopping with their children and signed to protect our veterans during connected disabilities; 308,000 widows, their grandchildren and experiencing this Government shutdown. children, and survivors of veterans who the spirit of Christmas. Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- have died of service-connected disabil- So let us get on with the continuing er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman ities; 450,000 veterans receiving pen- resolution. Let the people go back to from Rhode Island [Mr. KENNEDY]. sions for their wartime service; and work, and then we can continue to Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. thousands of veterans receiving the work on the budget. Speaker, this continuing resolution for Montgomery GI bill payments each b one segment of our society, one cat- month, that is no narrow band of our 2100 egory of our citizenry is symbolic of country. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I the destructive nature of the politics of It is a shame, it is a crying shame yield 1 minute to the gentleman from division that our Republican colleagues that what we are doing this evening is Indiana [Mr. BURTON]. are practicing so successfully, but just even necessary because this Congress Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- because it is successful does not make did its business, it did its duty, it er, I thank the gentleman for yielding it right. passed a VA appropriations bill, one me the time. This CR, for one group of our people that was good and fair to veterans, in- Let me just say, the gentleman from over another, begins the Republican creasing veterans’ spending over the Wisconsin a few minutes ago, as others crusade to pit our American people next 7 years by $40 billion more than have, has made reference to the 73 against one another. It starts with this the last 7 years at the time that the freshmen we have on our side of the CR and it will end with the block veteran population is going down. aisle, indicating that they are going off grants. You will pit elderly people Let us support our veterans. on a tangent and holding us all hostage against poor kids. You are going to pit Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- and stopping progress on the negotia- the veterans against children on AFDC. er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman tions. Why are you not giving a CR for from North Carolina [Mr. HEFNER]. Many of us have been waiting for a AFDC recipients? It is because you are Mr. HEFNER. Mr. Speaker, I do not long, long time to head this country making a value judgment here that understand why we are here just a few toward a balanced budget. I have been veterans count more than young kids. days before Christmas, and I hope some here 13 years. We have waited and we That is what is wrong with your ap- of the rhetoric that I am hearing have waited and we have waited for proach, and that is what is wrong with around here is just that. that additional cadre of people who are your Contract With America. Let me just point out one thing. willing to fight with us to get to a bal- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I Sixty percent of the eligible voters in anced budget. yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from this country, where you hear about a We have heard all the rhetoric, all Florida [Mr. SHAW]. mandate and a revolution, 60 percent of the arguments for years from the Dem- Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would say the eligible voters in this country sent ocrat side of the aisle saying, ‘‘We’re to the gentleman from Rhode Island ‘‘a pox on both our Houses.’’ That is going to do it, we’re going to do it, [Mr. KENNEDY] that AFDC does not re- not a revolutionary number. we’re going to do it’’ but we never do quire a continuing resolution. Mr. Speaker, let me say one other it. The deficit continues to rise and Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I thing. The gentleman talked about rise and rise and we now have a $5 tril- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from children. I would suspect that some of lion national debt. H 15298 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 So I would just like to say to my col- Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the I think that he and she, more than league from Wisconsin, thank God for gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. MONT- anyone, can understand our battle to the 73 new Republican freshmen be- GOMERY]. balance the budget for the sake of our cause they speak for what we have Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker I children and our grandchildren. We been speaking for the past 13 years. would really like to talk about what must maintain our commitment to They do not speak by themselves. They the resolution does. I rise in support of them, and Congress is here tonight be- speak for all of us. We are all together the continuing resolution that will as- cause we feel strongly that veterans’ on this and we are going to get the job sure that 3 million veterans will get benefits must not get lost in the battle done. their benefit checks on time. Two mil- to balance the Nation’s budget. Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- lion of the 3 million veterans are serv- America can never really fully repay er, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman ice-connected either because of wounds our veterans and we will never be able from California [Mr. MILLER]. or because of wounds or because they to express our feelings to our fallen sol- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. were hurt in the service. Also, the serv- diers, but we can act to ensure that Speaker, the previous speaker in the ice-connected will get a 2.6 percent veterans will receive the benefit checks well said that the most important cost of living increase in their checks. that they have earned. Our Nation’s thing we can do for our children is to Mr. Speaker, I have felt very strong- veterans deserve nothing less. I urge give them this balanced budget. ly about this, that the Federal Govern- my colleagues to support this legisla- It is a strange notion of Christmas, ment has a stronger responsibility to tion and ensure its passage. as you gather your children around, the persons who marched off to war Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- and you say you gave them a balanced and came home, or to the widows and er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman budget. But when your children ask orphans of those who did not come from Pennsylvania [Mr. FATTAH]. you what is the price to other children, home. So let us vote for this veterans’ Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, first of you tell them the children in foster resolution. all I would like to associate myself care will not be able to receive place- Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- with the remarks of the gentleman ment, children who are abused are like- er, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. KENNEDY]. ly not to receive placement in a safe from Maryland [Mr. HOYER]. Then I would like to get to this point home away from the abuse, children Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank at hand. that need health care because their the gentleman for yielding me the There is no veteran in this country parents lost their jobs will find that time. who has exhibited bravery and courage Mr. Speaker, the distinguished chair- not there because of your cuts in Med- on behalf of our Nation who did that to man of the committee has made the icaid. protect or to defend themselves. They point on a number of occasions that They always say the children are not did that to protect and defend this the Labor-Health bill is held up be- as cruel as adults, but they will find country and the people who live here, cause of a filibuster. But he never says out how cruel it was. When you tell the women and children and senior why, the reason being, because the Re- them the price for the other children in citizens of our land who are being vic- publicans have put a provision on the this Nation, they are going to say, timized by this budget impasse and by Labor-Health bill that will make it ‘‘Shame on you, Daddy. Shame on you, this Government shutdown. easy to fire people, easy to get rid of that you did that to the children of So to come to the floor and say we people, easy to get them out of jobs. Is this Nation.’’ Because children do not want to honor the veterans by allowing it not ironic that the CR that you will desire to see their colleagues hurt, to their checks to go out, we should honor not allow us to pass does exactly the see their colleagues suffer that kind of their bravery and their courage by put- same thing, keeping people out of jobs? pain, but that is what your budget does ting this Nation’s budget back in order That is why the Labor-Health bill has and that is why it should not be ac- and allowing the government to oper- not passed. cepted. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I ate so that the children of these veter- I yield to the gentleman from Rhode ans, the parents and grandparents of yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman Island [Mr. KENNEDY}. these veterans, so that the commu- from Florida [Mr. BILIRAKIS], a distin- Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. guished member of the Committee on nities that these veterans live in, can Speaker, the gentleman from Florida Veterans’ Affairs. be the kind of Nation that may of them [Mr. SHAW], who attempted to correct (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given fought and gave so much for. me, is not quite correct in his trying to permission to revise and extend his re- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I correct me. marks.) yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from If we do not complete the work on Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise Indiana [Mr. BUYER], the chairman of the Labor-HHS bill, States will not get in strong support of this legislation to the Subcommittee on Education, the money that they need to provide ensure that veterans’ programs will Training, Employment and Housing of for these dependent children, and that continue to be funded in the wake of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. was the point I was trying to make. In the President’s recent veto. Because Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank fact, the point seems to have been lost President Clinton vetoed H.R. 2099, the the gentleman for yielding me the here that we are trying to make a 1996 VA–HUD Appropriations bill, as time. value judgment in passing a CR for one has been said so many times here to- Mr. Speaker, I agree with the com- group of Americans and not another, night, veterans’ benefit checks will not ments of my good friend, the gen- because we all perceive this group to be paid on time next month unless a tleman from Mississippi [Mr. MONT- have political legitimacy but the chil- short-term spending measure is passed GOMERY], who said we really should be dren do not. That is the point I was by 8 o’clock tomorrow morning. talking about what is before us. That trying to make. The President should have signed is, as chairman of the Subcommittee Mr. MILLER of California. The gen- H.R. 2099 and avoided putting these on Education, Training, Employment tleman is exactly right. benefits and services in jeopardy. How- and Housing of the Committee on Vet- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, ever, since he did not, we in Congress erans’ Affairs, I take my duty and re- yielding myself 15 seconds, I am con- must act to ensure this funding and sponsibilities very seriously to the 26 cerned for all of the poor people that protect the Nation’s veterans. million veterans. the gentleman from California referred The question has been asked a few The bill which the President vetoed to. But the point is that if he would get times tonight: Why do this special was very disappointing because we had on the phone and talk to his colleagues thing for the veteran? I will tell why. over a $400 million increase in VA med- on the other side of the building, so Because if history has taught us any- ical care. The research budget totaled they might release their filibuster and thing, it is that the American service- $257 million. Veterans’ benefits pro- that Labor-Health and Human Services man has borne any hardship, has over- grams funding will increase from $36.9 bill that has been filibustered for the come any obstacle and has conquered billion in fiscal year 1996 to $41.8 billion last 6 months by the Democrats in the any foe in the defense of liberty, jus- in fiscal year 2002. So during the next 7 Senate might go forward. tice and freedom. years, more than $275 billion will be December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15299 spent on veterans’ programs, $40 billion have received from this President. they have to pick up the bill because more than the previous 7 years. I think President Clinton alone bears respon- we no longer prohibit that sort of thing that is very important. sibility for the Government shutdown, to occur. The Budget which is being attacked since he vetoed the Veterans Adminis- He was very sad. So I am glad that here all of a sudden, it fully funds the tration appropriations bill earlier this we are taking care of the veterans with important veterans’ compensation, week. This is a good bill. It added $400 this rifle shot CR. But there are so pension programs, the GI bill, voca- million above last year’s VA health many things that we are doing that is tional rehabilitation insurance, the care budget and increased overall VA hurting those same veterans. We are home loan program, and a COLA in- spending while most departments of balancing the budget on their backs crease of 2.6 percent. government face cuts. and they are being asked to fight The bill that is before us will ensure Mr. Clinton had a choice to put vet- again. the on-time payment of benefits for erans first. Instead, he put tree- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I compensation, pension, DIC, and the GI huggers first. In his statement today, yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman bill. It will also ensure that contrac- President Clinton spoke of protecting from Oregon [Mr. COOLEY], a member of tors who supply the services directly Medicare. He is going to leave saving the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. related to patient health and safety Medicare to Republicans. Medicaid, Mr. COOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise will be paid, and it will also ensure education, and the environment. True today in favor of House Joint Resolu- that such services as ambulance serv- to his principles, Mr. Clinton left out tion 134—a bill to ensure that our Na- ice and contract physician coverage for out Nation’s veterans. He has lavished tion’s veterans receive their compensa- emergency care will continue. funding on his priorities, the paid vol- tion checks during this shutdown. I also would like to share with my unteer AmeriCorps boondoggle, a I am firmly committed to balancing colleagues, as I witnessed the debate on Bosnian occupation, jet-setting Cabi- our Nation’s budget, but our veterans the rule, I would almost caution my net members, and a host of failed lib- are innocent victims of this shutdown. colleagues, my Republican colleagues eral social programs. Those who have risked their lives and and my Democratic colleagues, that I But, sadly, the President has chosen liberty in service of this Nation—those was disappointed in some of the lack of to play politics with our Nation’s vet- who depend on the monthly benefits civility shown here in the House. erans and to jeopardize the balanced that our Federal Government has con- No one in this Chamber by political budget which benefits our Nation and tracted to give them—should not be party has a cornerstone on the con- all Americans. Our bill corrects this. cut off at any time. cerns of veterans. Many of us in this Rather than shortcutting our Nation’s body, when we wore the uniform, no veterans as the President was willing For all of us, this should be an easy one ever asked us were we a Republican to accept, this bill ensures that pay- vote. It would be immoral to turn our or were we a Democrat. This is why we ment to some 3 million veterans and backs on our veterans. operate in the Committee on Veterans’ their dependents will continue to be That said—I must say one thing. Let Affairs in a tremendous bipartisan spir- made on schedule. there be no mistake about it. it, not only in the authorizing commit- Despite the utter lack of this Presi- This budget fight might be ugly—but tee but in the appropriating commit- dent’s leadership, Congress will look the Republicans in Congress are waging tee. out for those who have worn our Na- this fight to preserve the strength and Here is what is going to happen here tion’s uniform. Though this President integrity of this Nation. tonight. We are going to continue to has avoided the tough choices required As a veteran myself, I cannot sit play a little politics, but America will in restoring fiscal sanity needed to sup- back and watch our Nation become receive a message here tonight. This port our veterans, we will ensure their weaker—racking up trillions of dollars body will overwhelmingly support this protection. I urge adoption of this leg- in debt. because we believe in bipartisanship islation. I hope and believe that other veter- for veterans. Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- ans throughout this great Nation agree Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman with me. er, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. KLINK]. Congress must—for once—exercise from Missouri [Mr. SKELTON]. b 2115 some fiscal discipline. Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, of Meanwhile, we will provide for those Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the course I intend to support this bill. I who have served this Nation. was sitting in the back of the Chamber gentleman for yielding time to me. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the bill. listening to the rhetoric, and some of it I was in the district of the gentleman Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- rather fiery and some of it rather from Pennsylvania [Mr. MASCARA], my er, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman tough, and here in this season, the sea- colleague, a couple of months ago. We from California [Ms. WATERS]. son supposed to be that of good will were traveling with some hospital ad- and peace, and I think that we lack ministrators in our area who were tell- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, as a that element here in this whole debate, ing senior citizens the impact in a non- ranking member of the Subcommittee that of good will. partisan way. Many of them were Re- on Education, Training, Employment, I hope that in the days ahead, not publicans. They were telling the senior and Housing of the Committee on Vet- just for this body, a very special re- citizens about the impact of the Repub- erans’ Affairs, I am ashamed to hear vered body in this country, but for the lican cuts in Medicare and Medicaid on the staging and profiling by too many people back home, that we reexamine their hospitals. They were telling them of my Republican friends on the other and have good will and work toether in their own words. We did not coach side of the aisle proclaiming their love and get the people’s work done. them. for our veterans. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, in At the end of it this exsteelworker Where were they when the President the spirit of good will, I yield 2 minutes looked up at me with a big broad smile needed them for resources for hospitals to the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. that turned into a very sad face, and he and medical care? He had to veto the EVERETT], chairman of the Subcommit- actually started to cry. And I said, VA–HUD bill and in his message he tee on Compensation, Pension, Insur- What is the matter? He said, You told them why he was doing it. They ance and Memorial Affairs of the Com- know, I have never asked this country refused to support him for hospital re- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. for much of anything. I laid in the sources for veterans. (Mr. EVERETT asked and was given snow and I laid in the mud and the rain Besides that, where were they when permission to revise and extend his re- for 5 years in Europe. I was not wound- the Republican-appointed Clerk just marks.) ed. I was one of the the fortunate ones. fired a veteran of 23 years who helped Mr. EVERETT Mr. Speaker, I thank I never asked this country for anything to install the electronic voting system the gentleman for yielding me the except keep its promise to me. Give me for this House? A veteran who served in time. Medicare and Medicaid, if I need it. Do Vietnam, who was fired without cause, Mr. Speaker, our Nation’s veterans not make my children have to give up they just kicked him out before Christ- deserve better treatment than they educating my grandchildren because mas without cause. They just let go a H 15300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 veteran who served in Vietnam and That conference report contained a As I say, since the authorization has told him they did not care about him billion and a half dollars more in total not been vetoed at this point, my col- or his family. funding, and yet they managed to cut leagues may feel that this is not the With friends like you, the veterans the veterans funding by $213 million. time to do it. but at some point we do not need any enemies. The gentleman may feel that that is have to do this. I would hope that the Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, won- an adequate level of funding. That is majority would recognize this so we dering whether the preceding speaker his prerogative. I happen to honestly could get it done before the first of the voted for the defense appropriations disagree. It would be nice if we could year. bill, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman honestly disagree without constantly Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I from Arizona [Mr. HAYWORTH], a distin- demonstrating physical disrespect for yield 1 minute and 30 seconds to the guished member of the Committee on each other. gentleman from Georgia, [Mr. COL- Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I LINS]. Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- thank the chairman of the Committee Arizona [Mr. HAYWORTH]. er, I thank the gentleman for yielding on Appropriations for yielding time to Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, good time to me. me. people can disagree. Good people can Mr. Speaker, there is only one person Mr. Speaker, I would like to endorse disagree about a great many subjects. who stands between a balanced budget fully the remarks made in a bipartisan But when repeated fiction is stated on in this town and that is the President fashion by the gentleman from Mis- the floor of this House, it is sad. of the United States because he vetoed souri and the gentleman from Indiana. Once again, the ranking member has the balanced budget. There is only one I, too, yearn for a return to civility, chosen to personally attack this Mem- person that stands between those em- which is why I listened with great in- ber of the Congress. I just simply want ployees of the Commerce and Justice terest when my friend, the ranking to say that it is shameful that these Department being at work, and that is member on the Committee on Appro- people would rather engage in shenani- the gentleman who vetoed that bill, priations, chose to attack me person- gans than to confront the problems we the appropriations that would have ally. have today. paid their wages. That is the President Mr. Speaker, I think it must be for- Once again, I reach out my hand to of the United States. given when a web of fiction is so intri- the minority side and indeed to the There is only one person that stands cately weaved and pronounced here on gentleman at the other end of Penn- between the national parks being open the floor of this House that quite often sylvania Avenue. Let us reason to- and the people who work for the De- it is my natural reaction to chuckle. If gether and solve America’s problems. partment of Interior, and that is the Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- a smile or a chuckle at the absurdity is gentleman who vetoed that appropria- er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman inappropriate, well, then I suppose I tion bill, the President of the United from Pennsylvania, [Mr. MURTHA], a am guilty of having a sense of humor, States. There is only one person who senior member of the Committee on but a sense of humor born of the fact stands between those who work for VA Appropriations, former chairman of the that we have to laugh to keep from and HUD and besides there would have Subcommittee on National Security. crying. Because once again, Members been a 2.4-percent increase for our mili- Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, one of of the minority get up with a straight tary had this bill been approved, and the things I wanted to point out to the face and they ignore reality. that is the President of the United Members that I think is so important The President of the United States States, the man who vetoed the appro- in the recommittal motion that we vetoed veterans appropriations that priation bill. were genuine increases in spending, had, and this may not be the right time Mr. Speaker, I was reading the other $400 million over last year, fact. And and I know the Members that voted for day in Reader’s Digest a quote that I the fact is that this new majority, the authorization feel that they have think fits this area, this time very working in concert with responsible taken care of the two problems that we well. It was by the late Harry Truman. Members of the minority, will pass this have in this recommittal motion, but He said, it is not the hand that signs overwhelmingly. I dare say that was in this recommittal motion we have the laws that holds the destiny of the one remark given by the ranking language which will take care of the America; it is the hand that cast the member of the Committee on Appro- disparity in the COLA between the ballot. priations that I can agree with. This military retiree and the civilian re- I think that we could say the same legislation will pass overwhelmingly tiree. We think that is important. We here. It is not the hand that vetoes the because it is the right thing to do. also have in this legislation to take Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- care of the increase in pay for the mili- laws that holds the destiny of America; er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman tary. it is the hand that casts the ballot. I urge support of this continuing res- from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY], former Now, I know the President is going to chairman of this committee, who veto the bill. I know it passed by a olution to fund the benefits of our vet- would like to speak to the issue of vet- slight majority in the Senate. As I un- erans. erans benefits. derstand it, the majority leader on the Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I would sim- other side may add this to their bill at er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman ply comment on the comments of the some point, but I just want the Mem- from Ohio [Mr. BROWN]. previous speaker who addressed him- bers to realize, this is something that Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I self to something I said on the floor. has to be done by the first of the year. rise in support of this bill. I would simply note, I have observed If we do not take care of it, if we do not The untold story of the Gingrich him on three occasions this week sit- put this type of language in one of our budget process is that this Congress ting in the front row of the Chamber appropriations bills, if the authoriza- simply did not get its work done on and loudly laughing at whoever it was tion is vetoed, then it means that the time. Thirteen appropriations bills who was speaking at the moment, dis- members of the armed services would were supposed to be completed by Octo- rupting their ability to speak. I think not get their first month’s increase or ber 1. Not one of them was signed by the House deserves better conduct than whatever increase it was or the COLA the President into law by that dead- that from any Member. disparity would continue. line. I would also make the point, if we For 3 years the Subcommittee on Na- This Congress has been badly run, want to talk about fiction, I would tional Security has taken care of the poorly administered, extreme and radi- make the point that it was solid fact COLA disparity. We put the money in, cal. That is why we now have this ab- when we stated earlier in the day, and even though it was forced on the au- surd Government shutdown. when I stated in that same statement, thorization. So I would hope as the The other reason American taxpayers that the bill for veterans funding, for Members vote they think about this have had to bear this ridiculous Ging- veterans health care was $213 million one particular provision in this recom- rich Government shutdown is that the below the amount that the bill was mittal. It is a very simple provision Speaker personally threatened over when it left the House. that takes care of those two things. and over and over to shut down the December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15301 Government so he could have his way there was a Congress here some years propriate that we would do that, and it to have a massive shift of money and ago, a Democratic Congress with two is only a very mean-spirited, very ex- resources from the poor and from the Republican Presidents, and they recog- treme liberal agenda that would not middle class to give to the rich; Medi- nize that there was great dispute on put that first. care cuts so we could have tax breaks the budget, and under Reagan there Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- for the rich; student loan cuts so we was no historic shutdown, under Bush er, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman could have tax breaks for the largest there was no long, extended shutdown. from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY]. corporations in this country; education So, Mr. Speaker, we realize that poli- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, there is ab- and environmental cuts so we could tics of Republicans is to bring the solutely nothing wrong with putting have tax breaks for billionaires who re- country to its knees. The people realize veterans at the head of a line. We nounce their citizenship. that the Democrats offered to increase ought to put all of the veterans at the It is wrong, and the Gingrich Repub- the pay of those in Bosnia; the Repub- head of the line. What is wrong with licans know it is wrong. licans rejected it. They realize that we making available Government services Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I can have a clean continuing resolution, so that new veterans who are entitled yield 2 minutes to the distinguished and the Republicans rejected it so that to housing benefits, who are entitled to gentleman from Florida [Mr. MICA]. we cannot keep this Government open. disability benefits, who are entitled to Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I get con- They realize that disabled children will pensions; why do we not handle this fused. Is this the same President that not have their benefits because of the resolution tonight so they can also get went on TV tonight and said, after Republicans. the services they need in order to get vetoing the VA appropriations bill, we This is not about the President of the the aid that they have a right to expect are going to delay veterans benefits? United States. This is about no moral from their Government? Why are our b 2130 leadership with the Republicans. colleagues shutting the Government Is this the same President that I re- Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I down to them and only opening it to call that cooked with the other side a yield 2 minutes to the distinguished people who already have those bene- bill to delay military COLA’s for gentleman from Ohio [Mr. HOKE]. fits? months and months and would perma- Mr. HOKE. Mr. Speaker, I was sur- Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- nently have to reinstate it? Is this the prised to hear earlier the question from er, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman same President that proposes better the other side, of the wonderment from from California [Ms. PELOSI]. benefits for a volunteer program, a new the other side, that we would actually Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, listening volunteer program, than he does for prioritize a particular rifle-shot con- to this debate tonight reminded me of our veterans? Is this the same Presi- tinuing resolution for veterans, that when I was a small child. In the Catho- dent—I keep getting confused—who we should not somehow be putting lic school I attended there was a proposes better benefits for welfare re- them at the top priority, and I just framed picture on the wall, and it said, cipients than our veterans? My good- want to remind my friends on both ‘‘Suffer little children and come unto ness, am I confused. Is this the same sides of the aisle that, if there is one me.’’ I could not understand it. I asked President who offers better and cooked group that we ought to, for heaven’s by parents and teacher who would want with the other side better benefits for sakes, prioritize as being No. 1, that we children to suffer, and then it was ex- illegal aliens who wash up on the shore should take care of without any ques- plained to me that the third or fourth and have never served the country? Is tion before, yes clearly before we take meaning of suffer was permit, allow, this the same President who just a few care of other groups in our society, children to come unto me. those are veterans. weeks ago threatened to veto the ap- Listening to our colleagues exclude Think about the veterans who have propriations bill until he was going to children from this continuing resolu- spilled blood and are now on a pension, send our troops into Bosnia? I get con- tion goes to the first meaning of suffer and think about that veteran’s widow, fused. Is this the same President that little children, to hear our colleagues that veteran’s children. Why on Earth my colleagues have said he, as a can- come to the well and say that they would it come as a surprise, why would didate, he was going to have a plan, have to have it this way, only the vet- it even be an issue? Where would the and he would get elected, and he would erans. have a plan to balance the budget in 5 question ever come from? Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, will the By the way, I agree that the question years? I get confused. Is this the same here tonight is not why should we be President who called the 73 freshmen gentleman yield? Mr. HOKE. I yield to the gentle- doing this for the veterans. Of course extremists, the businessmen and we should. The question really is why women, people who have worked for a woman from Ohio. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I have a should we not be doing it for children honest living and come to this place to and others as well? But to hear our col- straighten up its messed-up finances? great deal of respect for the gentleman from Cleveland, but I would like to ask leagues come to the well and say they Now who do my colleagues believe? I are doing this so their children do not am telling my colleagues that there him the question, ‘‘If you truly want to serve the veterans of this country, have to pay interest on the national are over 230 of us who are prepared to debt 20 years from now, some children stay here until Washington, or what- would you vote with me to pass the VA–HUD–EPA bill with the amend- do not have anything to eat 20 minutes ever, freezes over, until we get a bal- from now. anced budget and until we treat our ments that we have been trying to offer in the committee?’’ The message is very clear, Repub- veterans right. lican majority: Suffer, little children. Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- Mr. HOKE. Reclaiming my time, I did er, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman vote for the VA–HUD appropriations Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE]. bill that was passed in this House that (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was was vetoed by the President of the Virginia [Mr. GOODLATTE]. given permission to revise and extend United States 2 days ago. I vote for it (Mr. GOODLATTE asked and was her remarks.) proudly. We would not be here tonight, given permission to revise and extend Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Needless to say we would not be doing this tonight, had his remarks.) by the previous speaker’s antics, Mr. the President not vetoed that bill. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, my Republican colleagues are Ms. KAPTUR. Would the gentleman thank the gentleman from Louisiana mired in confusion for they believe yield further? [Mr. LIVINGSTON], the chairman of the that they have the moral high ground, Mr. HOKE. No. I will not yield, but I Committee on Appropriations, for and yet I find them someplace that we will yield at the end if I have time. yielding me the time, and I rise in would not want to proceed. Clearly what disturbs me is that strong support of this resolution to get The American people know where the there would be a question as to why we payment to our Nation’s veterans. trouble is. They realize that the Presi- would be here this evening to prioritize They have sacrificed for our country, dent of the United States stands with the needs of the Nation’s veterans. It they have laid their lives on the line, opportunity. They also realize that seems to me absolutely and utterly ap- and this is a very important continuing H 15302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 resolution, and those on the other side bills by October 1, not because the Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I of the aisle who pointed out that there President vetoed it, because they could only have one more speaker, so I re- are a number of other things that need not pass them, and now they are hav- serve the balance of my time. to be resolved, they are absolutely ing to take care of it on this. I would Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 right as well. As a matter of fact, there hope we would take care of our veter- minutes to the distinguished gen- are a number of things that should be ans, but I hope we would also be able to tleman from Virginia [Mr. MORAN]. taken care of, and we pointed out on take care of those who need housing. Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I our side that many of them would have b been taken care of if the President had yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 2145 signed into law the veterans appropria- gentleman from Georgia [Mr. KINGS- Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank tions, the Department of Housing and TON], a member of the Committee on the ranking Democrat on the Commit- Urban Development appropriations, the Appropriations. tee on Appropriations for yielding time Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I Commerce Department appropriations, to me. thank the gentleman from Louisiana and State Department appropriations, Mr. Speaker, let me explain why we the Justice Department appropria- [Mr. LIVINGSTON] for yielding this time to me. have problems with this bill. It is cer- tions, the Interior Department appro- tainly not that this bill provides bene- priations. But this week he vetoed As my colleagues know, I hear a lot fits for veterans. The problem with this every single one of those appropriation of partisan finger pointing tonight, but bill is that it is shortsighted and insuf- measures and has effectively closed this is not about Democrats, it is not ficient. If we do not pass a continuing down all of those agencies except for about Republicans. It is about veter- resolution by December 22, this Friday, essential personnel. ans. Do my colleagues want to help Now the President of the United those who have helped us? Do my col- 13 million welfare checks cannot be States has a constitutional right to leagues want to honor what they have processed by the Department of Health veto every single one of those pieces of done for us in the past? and Human Services. Are we going to Samuel Johnson said we should al- legislation, but he also has a moral ob- pass a specific continuing resolution ways remember our forefathers and our ligation and an obligation based on the for welfare checks? I think not. But future generations, but, more impor- law he signed over 30 days ago to bal- they cannot be processed if we do not tantly, we should remember the sac- ance the budget in 7 years using real have a CR by December 22. If we do not rifices of the former on behalf of the numbers, to come forward with his have a continuing resolution by next latter, and that is what we are doing itemized response to everything he Wednesday, $11 million in checks can- tonight. We are remembering our vet- does not like in each one of those ap- not be sent to the States by the Medic- erans. aid program. The States cannot func- propriations bills, in each one of the Now I would say to the gentlewoman entitlement measures we have in the tion without that $11 billion in Medic- from San Francisco, CA [Ms. PELOSI] aid programs. country, so that we can sit down with we are not forgetting our children, we Between votes I checked my message him and negotiate. It is time to stop are certainly not forgetting the chil- machine. I just want to share with you name calling, it is time to get down dren. Our colleagues are going to give a little message that was on it. It said: and negotiate, but we have got to have them a $5 trillion debt when they are ‘‘Please tell Congressman MORAN that a reasonable, responsible approach to through with their left-wing spending we veterans have been hungry before, do that, and both parties laying their policies. If a child is born today, he or we veterans have been cold before, but cards on the table, and everybody sit- she owes $187,000 as his or her part of ting down and getting serious about interest on the national debt over a 75- we veterans have never put our inter- this is exactly what is needed, and I year working period of time. That is ests ahead of the country’s interests call upon everybody, including the $187,000 above and beyond local, State, before.’’ He said: ‘‘As far as I am con- President of the United States, to stop and Federal taxes. I say to my col- cerned, I do not want my benefit check the press conferences and start nego- league, ‘‘Boy, you have not forgotten until women and children get their tiating. the children, I must say, and I tell you checks first.’’ Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- what. If that’s your idea of compassion, Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- er, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman that’s your idea of caring, if that’s self such time as I may consume. from Texas, Mr. GENE GREEN. your idea of a great Christmas present, Mr. Speaker, let me take this time to (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked fast forward me and my kids to ground- point out that the recommit motion and was given permission to revise and hog day.’’ that I will offer would simply do every- extend his remarks.) Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speak- thing that the motion before us Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. er, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman purports to do. Our motion would open Speaker, I am glad to follow the last from New York [Ms. SLAUGHTER]. up the government for all of the veter- speaker, because I hope we would put Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise ans services described in the motion our cards on the table, and if the other today to join my colleagues in express- before us. We would add to that all side would do it and say, OK, let us ing my concern and dismay that we other services to be provided, that take that tax cut off the table, $245 bil- must be here tonight to debate this could be provided by the Veterans De- lion, $200 billion, we would not have to mini CR. As we all know, this work partment, so the Veterans Department be worried about keeping the checks should have been completed months is open for all programs, for servicing going to our veterans or veterans’ wid- ago. all programs. We would expand that to ows. As we work tonight to ensure that provide, in fact, a clean CR through I had the opportunity tonight to talk our veterans receive the benefit checks January 26 for all other functions of to a widow of a veteran. She said she they so deserve, I cannot help thinking government, and we would at the same could not pay for her food, she could about the over 250,000 federal employ- time authorize the 2.4 percent military not pay for her utilities unless her ees who are sitting in their homes, pay raise for our servicemen and elimi- check is there, and I am glad we are at wondering and worrying about their nate the 6-month disparity between least dealing with that. fate and wondering if we care. The reason we are here though is be- Christmas is 5 days away. Yet the COLA payment dates for military and cause this bill, the VA–HUD bill, was radical new Majority refuses to find a civilian retirees, so we can assure that rejected by this Congress I do not know way to solve this budget impasse, and our military personnel will in fact be how many times because of the 20-per- insists on holding hardworking federal treated fairly, and will in fact receive cent cut in HUD, cuts in veterans’ pro- workers—and their families—hostage their full COLA. grams, cuts in lots of programs, and to their misguided and unfair budget As we know, Mr. Speaker, the au- that is why we are here tonight on a priorities. thorization bill is expected to be ve- stopgap measure. Let us stop the nonsense. Let us open toed. Without this language, we can, I hope we pass this, but let us re- the entire government. And let us fin- therefore, not guarantee our troops member the reason we are here is be- ish our work so Federal employees can going to Bosnia that they will have the cause the majority could not pass these do their work. full COLA. We think we ought to do December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15303 that and, most fundamentally, we hopefully, if the President comes to the Our veterans deserve better than to be sac- think we ought to open all of the serv- table, we can take care of the rest of rificed at the altar of partisan politics. I urge ices of government because the tax- the unfunded activities as well. my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill, payers have paid for those services and Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise which will put veterans ahead of politics. they are entitled to receive them. in support of this continuing resolution to make Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I sure that veterans receive their checks on urge passage of the bill, and I yield yield myself such time as I may time at the end of this month. There is no back the balance of my time. consume. doubt that this Congress is concerned about The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a number our veterans. It is clear that this continuing LAHOOD). Pursuant to House Resolu- of arguments on this joint resolution. I resolution is important and I will vote for it. tion 317, the previous question is or- am not sure they were in opposition to However, I must say that there is no reason dered on the joint resolution. it, because it appears that everybody is why we can't pass a continuing resolution to The question is on engrossment and going to vote for this bill. Some of the keep the rest of the Government operating. third reading of the joint resolution. arguments were, ‘‘We are not doing More than a quarter of a million Federal The joint resolution was ordered to enough.’’ Well, if the President had not workers who have been furloughed are impor- be engrossed and read a third time, and vetoed the last three appropriations tant, too. They have families. They have chil- was read the third time. bills we sent him, we would be doing a dren. Federal workers matter. MOTION TO RECOMMIT heck of a lot more than we have done Any yet the Republicans in this Congress Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, at the direc- so far. The fact is, as was said in the refuse to pass a continuing resolution to keep tion of the minority leader, I offer a well, the President has vetoed the Jus- our Government open because they want to motion to recommit. tice Department appropriation, the force the President to accept their extreme The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Commerce Department appropriation, agenda. the State Department appropriation, Mr. Speaker, we were sent to Congress to gentleman opposed to the joint resolu- the Interior Department appropriation, do the work of the people. We know what we tion? the VA–HUD appropriation, the Judici- need to doÐpass a responsible budget that Mr. OBEY. At this point, in its ary appropriation, and the NASA ap- protects seniors, protects children, protects present form, Mr. Speaker, I certainly propriation. He has vetoed all of those veterans, and sends our federal employees am. in the last week. All the people that back to work. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The work for those agencies could have Mr. Speaker, let's stop the partisan fighting. Clerk will report the motion. gone back to work and been paid. All of Let's get our work done and let's give the The Clerk read as follows: the benefits that accrue under those American people the best Christmas presents Mr. OBEY moves to recommit the res- bills could have gone into effect if the they could ask forÐa holiday they can spend olution to the Committee on Appro- President simply signed these bills. with their families and a Government that can priations with instructions to report And for all of those people who say work together to solve this budget crisis. back forthwith with an amendment as they are concerned about children, for Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I follows: crying out loud, do not direct your con- rise in strong support of House Joint Resolu- Strike all after the resolving clause and in- cern at us. Tell those people, your tion 134, legislation to ensure that veterans, sert: counterparts in the other body that dependents, and survivors will continue to re- SEC. 101. ENSURED PAYMENT DURING FISCAL filibustering the Labor-Health and ceive their well-earned benefits during this YEAR 1996 OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS IN EVENT OF LACK OF APPROPRIA- Human Services bill in the Senate. It Government shutdown. TIONS. has been there for five months. It is I would like to recognize the dedicated ef- (a) PAYMENTS REQUIRED.—In any case dur- about time to move that bill. forts of TIM HUTCHINSON, who has been a tire- ing fiscal year 1996 in which appropriations As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, it less advocate for veterans and has introduced are not otherwise available for programs, would be real nice if they would all of legislation to ensure that veterans receive the projects, and activities of the Department of a sudden lift that filibuster, and we compensation they deserve even when the Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans could dispose of it through a con- Government is closed. I would also like to Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that— (1) payments of existing veterans benefits ference report, send it to the President, thank Chairman STUMP and Ranking Member are made in accordance with regular proce- and maybe he might sign that bill and MONTGOMERY for their tireless work on behalf dures and schedules and in accordance with maybe he might not. Listening to his of this legislation. eligibility requirements for such benefits; messages that we hear on television Mr. Speaker, this legislation should never and day after day about the Republicans have been necessary. This week, the Presi- (2) payments to contractors of the Veter- being extremists, I get a little con- dent had an opportunity to sign the VA±HUD ans Health Administration of the Depart- fused, as the gentleman from Florida appropriations bill, which would have secured ment of Veterans Affairs are made when due earlier pointed out. Who is on first base the funding for veterans benefits. Instead, he in the case of services provided that directly here? vetoed it. President Clinton also has the unilat- relate to patient health and safety. It is about time he starts getting the eral authority to order the delivery of veterans' (b) FUNDING.—There is hereby appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the pay- message. The Republican message is we benefits during a Government shutdown. But ments pursuant to subsection (a), including want a balanced budget in 7 years, 2002. he has not used it. Because of the administra- such amounts as may be necessary for the That is the only message. The rest of it tion's insistence on playing partisan politics costs of administration of such payments. is just quibbling about details. But the with veterans, the livelihood of 3.3 million vet- (c) CHARGING OF ACCOUNTS WHEN APPRO- President has said on various times, ‘‘I erans, dependents and survivors is in jeop- PRIATIONS MADE.—In any case in which the am for a 5-year balanced budget, I am ardy. Secretary uses the authority of subsection for a 10-year balanced budget, I am for No one in this country has a greater claim (a) to make payments, applicable accounts a 9-year balanced budget, I am for an 8- to his Nation's Treasury than veterans who shall be charged for amounts so paid, and for year balanced budget, and yes, I am have been disabled as a result of service in the costs of administration of such pay- ments, when regular appropriations become even for a 7-year balanced budget, but the Armed Forces and the survivors of those available for those purposes. not that 7-year balanced budget.’’ He who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their (d) EXISTING BENEFITS SPECIFIED.—For pur- does not have any details. He has come lives in the defense of our Nation. Keeping poses of this section, existing veterans bene- to us, he has given us, one after an- faith with these heroes, their widows and their fits are benefits under laws administered by other, budgets that were imbalanced orpahnsÐwhatever our Nation's fiscal cir- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that have year after year after year, and he has cumstanceÐis as important as anything we do been adjudicated and authorized for payment not come to the table and bargained in in Congress. as of— good faith to give us what we are ask- We must do what we can to guarantee that (1) December 15, 1995; or (2) if appropriations for such benefits are ing for, a 7-year balanced budget. these brave men and women, who answered available (other than pursuant to subsection Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. It the call to duty and were willing to put their (b)) after December 15, 1995, the last day on may not cover everything we want, but lives on the line in defense of their country, which appropriations for payment of such it is a start. It gives the veterans the will receive what they deserve. This bill does benefits are available (other than pursuant benefit payments that they need, and that. to subsection (b)). H 15304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 SEC. 102 FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIA- corporate the provisions of the Veter- tleman from Wisconsin seeks to con- TIONS. ans Department which are included in tinue the availability of appropriations Section 106(c) of Public Law 104–56 is the original legislation before us. We for a similar fiscal period to fund the amended by striking ‘‘December 15, 1995’’ and inserting ‘‘January 26, 1996’’. would open up the Government for activities of other departments and SEC. 103. MILITARY PAY RAISE FOR FISCAL YEAR those services, but we would add to agencies for which regular appropria- 1996. that the following: We would add all re- tions for fiscal year 1996 have not yet (a) WAIVER OF SECTION 1009 ADJUSTMENT.— maining services to be provided by the been enacted. Any adjustment required by section 1009 of Veterans Department. One of the important lines of prece- title 37, United States Code, in elements of Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I dent under clause 7 of rule 16—the ger- compensation of members of the uniformed must insist on my point of order. maneness rule—holds that a propo- services to become effective during fiscal Mr. OBEY. We would also add all sition addressing a specific subject year 1996 shall not be made. other remaining functions of the Gov- (b) INCREASE IN BASIC PAY AND BAS.—Ef- may not be amended by a proposition fective on January 1, 1996, the rates of basic ernment which have been closed down more general in nature. pay and basic allowance for subsistence of up until now. We would also, as I said, For example, the Chair held on Sep- members of the uniformed services are in- guarantee that the military receive tember 27, 1967, that an amendment ap- creased by 2.4 percent. their 2.5 percent pay raise, and correct plicable to all departments and agen- (c) INCREASE IN BAQ.—Effective on Janu- the differential that now exists be- cies was not germane to a bill limited ary 1, 1996, the rates of basic allowance for tween civilian pay and military pay, so in its applicability to certain depart- quarters of members of the uniformed serv- that the military pay would be pro- ices are increased by 5.2 percent. ments and agencies of Government. vided in the same terms and conditions SEC. 104 ELIMINATION OF DISPARITY BETWEEN That precedent is annotated in section EFFECTIVE DATES FOR MILITARY as civilian pay. 798f of the House Rules and Manual. AND CIVILIAN RETIREE COST-OF- Mr. Speaker, I would urge the adop- The Chair notes another illustrative LIVING ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL tion of the motion to recommit. ruling that is recorded in the Deschler- YEAR 1996. POINT OF ORDER (a) IN GENERAL.—The fiscal year 1996 in- Brown precedents of the House at vol- crease in military retired pay shall (notwith- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the ume 10, chapter 28, section 9.22. On that standing subparagraph (B) of section gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. LIVING- occasion in 1967 the House was consid- 1401a(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code) STON] insist on his point of order? ering a joint resolution continuing ap- first be payable as part of such retired pay Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I propriations for a portion of a fiscal for the month of March 1996. make a point of order against the mo- year. An amendment was offered to re- (b) DEFINITIONS.—For the purposes of sub- tion to recommit with instructions be- strict total administrative expendi- section (a): (1) The term ‘‘fiscal year 1996 increased in cause it is not germane to the underly- tures for the fiscal year. Noting that military retired pay’’ means the increase in ing resolution, and as such in violation the amendment affected funding be- retired pay that, pursuant to paragraph (1) of of clause 7 of rule XVI. yond that continued by the joint reso- section 1401a(b) of title 10, United States Mr. Speaker, I quote from the Prece- lution, the Chair sustained a point of Code, becomes effective on December 1, 1995. dents of the House: order that the amendment was not ger- (2) The Term ‘‘retired pay’’ includes re- ‘‘It is not in order to do indirectly by mane. tainer pay. a motion to commit with instructions The amendment proposed in the mo- (c) FINANCING.—The Secretary of Defense what may not be done directly by way shall transfer, from any other funds made tion to recommit offered by the gen- available to the Department of Defense, such of amendment.’’ tleman from Wisconsin addresses fund- sums as may be necessary for payment to Mr. Speaker, a specific proposition ing not continued by the pending joint the Department of Defense Military Retire- cannot be amended by another propo- resolution. Where the joint resolution ment Fund solely for the purpose of offset- sition broader in scope. The motion to confines itself to funding within one ting the estimated increase in outlays to be recommit deals with funding and au- department, the amendment ranges to made from such Fund in fiscal year 1996 by thorizing activities outside the Depart- at least six others. As such, the amend- reason of the provisions of subsection (a). ment of Veterans Affairs, and therefore ment is not germane. Nothwithstanding any other provision of is not germane to the underlying reso- law, the transfer authority made available to The point of order is sustained. The the Secretary in Public Law 104–61 or any lution which deals only with funding motion to recommit is ruled out of other law shall be increased by the amounts for selected activities in this depart- order. required to carry out the provisions of this ment. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I most re- section. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman’s motion spectfully and reluctantly appeal the Mr. OBEY (during the reading). Mr. to instruct is not germane, Mr. Speak- ruling of the Chair. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that er, and I ask for a ruling from the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the motion be considered as read and Chair. question is: ‘‘shall the decision of the printed in the RECORD. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the Chair stand as the judgment of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. OBEY, House?’’ objection to the request of the gen- wish to be heard on the point of order? MOTION OFFERED BY MR. LIVINGSTON Mr. OBEY. Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker, I tleman from Wisconsin? Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I would simply say the purpose of the Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- move to lay the appeal on the table. resolution before us this evening is to mous consent that I may be permitted The SPEAKER pro tempore. The provide additional services to tax- to explain the amendment. question is on the motion offered by payers. The purpose of my motion is to Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, re- the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. serving the right to object, if the gen- provide additional services to tax- LIVINGSTON] to lay the appeal of the payers. It simply expands the number tleman would explain which motion to ruling of the Chair on the table. of services available. It is the same recommit he is talking about. The question was taken; and the taxpayers we are talking about, and I Mr. OBEY. No. 1. Speaker pro tempore announced that think they are entitled to a full range Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I re- the ayes appeared to have it. serve a point of order on the gentle- of services. I would therefore urge the man’s motion. Chair support the germaneness of the RECORDED VOTE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there proposition. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a objection to the request of the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The recorded vote. tleman from Wisconsin? Chair is prepared to rule. A recorded vote was ordered. There was no objection. The pending joint resolution contin- The vote was taken by electronic de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. A point ues the availability of appropriations vice, and there were—ayes 236, noes 176, of order is reserved on the motion to for a specified fiscal period to fund cer- not voting 21, as follows: recommit. tain activities of the Department of [Roll No. 872] Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I think the Veterans’ Affairs. AYES—236 purpose of this motion is quite clear. The amendment proposed in the mo- Allard Armey Baker (CA) As I said earlier, this motion would in- tion to recommit offered by the gen- Archer Bachus Baker (LA) December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15305 Ballenger Gekas Myrick Gordon McCarthy Roybal-Allard eligibility requirements for such benefits; Barr Geren Nethercutt Green McDermott Rush and Barrett (NE) Gillmor Neumann Hall (TX) McHale Sabo (2) payments to contractors of the Veter- Ney Hamilton McKinney Sanders Bartlett Gilman ans Health Administration of the Depart- Barton Goodlatte Norwood Harman McNulty Sawyer Bass Goodling Nussle Hastings (FL) Meehan Schroeder ment of Veterans Affairs are made when due Bateman Goss Oxley Hefner Meek Schumer in the case of services provided that directly Bereuter Graham Packard Hilliard Menendez Scott relate to patient health and safety. Bilbray Greenwood Parker Hinchey Mfume Serrano (b) FUNDING.—There is hereby appropriated Bilirakis Gunderson Paxon Holden Miller (CA) Sisisky such sums as may be necessary for the pay- Bliley Gutknecht Petri Hoyer Minge Skelton ments pursuant to subsection (a), including Pombo Jackson (IL) Mink Slaughter Blute Hancock such amounts as may be necessary for the Boehlert Hansen Porter Jackson-Lee Moakley Spratt Boehner Hastert Portman (TX) Mollohan Stenholm costs of administration of such payments. Bonilla Hastings (WA) Pryce Jefferson Moran Stokes (c) CHARGING OF ACCOUNTS WHEN APPRO- Bono Hayes Quillen Johnson (SD) Murtha Studds PRIATIONS MADE.—In any case in which the Brownback Hayworth Quinn Johnson, E. B. Nadler Stupak Secretary uses the authority of subsection Bryant (TN) Hefley Radanovich Kanjorski Neal Tanner (a) to make payments, applicable accounts Bunn Heineman Ramstad Kaptur Oberstar Taylor (MS) shall be charged for amounts so paid, and for Bunning Herger Regula Kennedy (MA) Obey Tejeda Riggs Kennedy (RI) Olver Thompson the costs of administration of such pay- Burr Hilleary ments, when regular appropriations become Burton Hobson Roberts Kennelly Ortiz Thornton Buyer Hoekstra Rogers Kildee Orton Thurman available for those purposes. Callahan Hoke Rohrabacher Kleczka Owens Torres (d) EXISTING BENEFITS SPECIFIED.—For pur- Calvert Horn Ros-Lehtinen Klink Pallone Torricelli poses of this section, existing veterans bene- Camp Hostettler Roth LaFalce Pastor Towns fits are benefits under laws administered by Campbell Houghton Roukema Levin Payne (NJ) Traficant the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that have Canady Hunter Royce Lewis (GA) Pelosi Velazquez Salmon Lincoln Peterson (FL) Vento been adjudicated and authorized for payment Castle Hutchinson as of— Chabot Hyde Sanford Lipinski Peterson (MN) Visclosky Chambliss Inglis Saxton Lofgren Pickett Volkmer (1) December 15, 1995; or Chenoweth Istook Scarborough Lowey Pomeroy Ward (2) if appropriations for such benefits are Christensen Jacobs Schaefer Luther Poshard Waters available (other than pursuant to subsection Chrysler Johnson (CT) Schiff Maloney Rahall Watt (NC) (b)) after December 15, 1995, the last day on Clinger Johnson, Sam Seastrand Manton Rangel Waxman which appropriations for payment of such Coble Johnston Sensenbrenner Markey Reed Wise Shadegg Martinez Richardson Woolsey benefits are available (other than pursuant Coburn Jones to subsection (b)). Collins (GA) Kasich Shaw Mascara Rivers Wyden Combest Kelly Shays Matsui Roemer Wynn SECTION 201. PAY FOR FEDERAL AND DISTRICT Shuster OF COLUMBIA EMPLOYEES DURING Cooley Kim NOT VOTING—21 Cox King Skeen LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS FOR FIS- Crane Kingston Smith (MI) Beilenson Foglietta Rose CAL YEAR 1996. Crapo Klug Smith (NJ) Berman Gilchrest Skaggs (a) PROVISIONS RELATING TO THOSE WHO Smith (TX) Cremeans Knollenberg Chapman Gutierrez Stark ARE PERMITTED OR REQUIRED TO SERVE.—Any Smith (WA) Cubin Kolbe Conyers Hall (OH) Weldon (PA) officer or employee of the United States Solomon Edwards Lantos Williams Cunningham LaHood Government or of the District of Columbia Davis Largent Souder Filner Myers Wilson Deal Latham Spence Flake Payne (VA) Yates government who is permitted or required to DeLay LaTourette Stearns serve during any period in which there is a Diaz-Balart Laughlin Stockman b 2217 lapse in appropriations with respect to the Stump Dickey Lazio Miss COLLINS of Michigan changed agency in or under which such officer or em- Doolittle Leach Talent ployee is employed shall be compensated at Dornan Lewis (CA) Tate her vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Tauzin the standard rate of compensation for such Dreier Lewis (KY) So the motion to table the appeal of officer or employee for such period. Duncan Lightfoot Taylor (NC) the ruling of the Chair was agreed to. Dunn Linder Thomas (b) PROVISIONS RELATING TO THOSE WHO Ehlers Livingston Thornberry The result of the vote was announced HAVE BEEN FURLOUGHED.— Ehrlich LoBiondo Tiahrt as above recorded. (1) IN GENERAL.—Any officer or employee of Emerson Longley Torkildsen A motion to reconsider was laid on the United States Government or of the Dis- English Lucas Upton trict of Columbia government who is fur- Vucanovich the table. Ensign Manzullo loughed for any period as a result of a lapse Waldholtz MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. OBEY Everett Martini in appropriations shall not be entitled to Ewing McCollum Walker Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, at the direc- Fawell McCrery Walsh basic pay with respect to any portion of such Fields (TX) McDade Wamp tion of the minority leader, I offer a period, except as provided in paragraph (2) Flanagan McHugh Watts (OK) motion to recommit. (2) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding any other Foley McInnis Weldon (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. provision of law, any officer or employee re- Weller Forbes McIntosh LAHOOD). Is the gentleman opposed to ferred to in paragraph (1) who is willing and Fowler McKeon White Whitfield the joint resolution? able to serve during the period of the lapse in Fox Metcalf appropriations— Franks (CT) Meyers Wicker Mr. OBEY. In its present form, yes, I (A) shall be permitted to serve; and Franks (NJ) Mica Wolf am, Mr. Speaker. Frelinghuysen Miller (FL) Young (AK) (B) shall be compensated for any such serv- Frisa Molinari Young (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ice in accordance with subsection (a). Funderburk Montgomery Zeliff Clerk will report the motion to recom- (c) DEFINITION.—For the purpose of this Gallegly Moorhead Zimmer mit. section, the term ‘‘agency’’ includes any em- Ganske Morella The Clerk read as follows: ploying entity of the United States Govern- ment or of the District of Columbia govern- NOES—176 Mr. OBEY moves to recommit the resolu- tion to the Committee on Appropriations ment. Abercrombie Cardin Dixon (d) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall Ackerman Clay Doggett with instructions to report back forthwith with an amendment as follows: apply with respect to any lapse in appropria- Andrews Clayton Dooley tions for fiscal year 1996 occurring after De- Baesler Clement Doyle Strike all after the resolving clause cember 15, 1995. Baldacci Clyburn Durbin and insert: Barcia Coleman Engel Mr. OBEY (during the reading). Mr. Barrett (WI) Collins (IL) Eshoo Sec. 101. ENSURED PAYMENT DURING FISCAL Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that YEAR 1996 OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS Becerra Collins (MI) Evans the motion to recommit be considered Bentsen Condit Farr IN EVENT OF LACK OF APPROPRIA- Bevill Costello Fattah TIONS. as read and printed in the RECORD. Bishop Coyne Fazio (a) PAYMENTS REQUIRED.—In any case dur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Bonior Cramer Fields (LA) ing fiscal year 1996 in which appropriations objection to the request of the gen- Borski Danner Ford are not otherwise available for programs, Boucher de la Garza Frank (MA) tleman from Wisconsin? projects, and activities of the Department of There was no objection. Brewster DeFazio Frost Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Browder DeLauro Furse Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that— Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I Brown (CA) Dellums Gejdenson make a point of order but reserve that Brown (FL) Deutsch Gephardt (1) payments of existing veterans benefits Brown (OH) Dicks Gibbons are made in accordance with regular proce- point of order if the gentleman will Bryant (TX) Dingell Gonzalez dures and schedules and in accordance with make a brief explanation. H 15306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the point of order is sustained, and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tleman from Louisiana reserves a point motion to recommit is ruled out of tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] is of order. order. recognized for 5 minutes. The gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. OBEY Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, this amend- OBEY] will be recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, at the direc- ment is very simple. The proposition Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I will not tion of the minority leader, I offer a now before the House allows the Veter- take the 5 minutes I will only take 1. third motion to recommit. ans Department to open for the pur- Mr. Speaker, as it now stands, gov- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- pose of payments of existing veterans’ ernment workers cannot volunteer to tleman remains opposed to the joint benefits and to provide payments to come in to work during the shutdown, resolution? contractors of the Veterans Health Ad- but the Speaker has announced tonight Mr. OBEY. I do, Mr. Speaker. ministration of the Department of Vet- that they will nonetheless be paid. Mr. SPEAKER pro tempore. The erans Affairs when due in the case of What this motion would simply do, at Clerk will report the motion to recom- services, provided that those services the suggestion of the gentleman from mit. directly relate to patient health and Virginia [Mr. MORAN], is that we sim- The Clerk read as follows: safety. ply say that since workers will be paid, Mr. OBEY moves to recommit the resolu- All we would do is add the following the ought to be allowed to come in and tion to the Committee on Appropriations language. We would add language say- work if they want to. That is in essence with instructions to report back forthwith ing that the Veterans Department all this does. with an amendment as follows: would also be open for all other author- Mr. Speaker, let me simply, in asking Strike all after the resolving clause and in- ized activities of the Department of sert: for a ruling from the Chair, indicate Veterans Affairs, including the process- that I think on both sides of the aisle SEC. 101. ENSURED PAYMENT DURING FISCAL YEAR 1996 OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS ing of existing and new applications for we recognize that you have tried to do IN EVENT OF LACK OF APPROPRIA- benefits and pensions, processing of an extremely fair job tonight, and we TIONS. certificates of eligibility for home own- congratulate you for it. (a) PAYMENTS REQUIRED.—In any case dur- ership loans and loan guarantees, and ing fiscal year 1996 in which appropriations POINT OF ORDER payment of salaries of Federal Govern- are not otherwise available for programs, Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I projects, and activities of the Department of ment personnel providing health care echo the gentleman’s remarks about Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans for our Nation’s veterans. the way the Speaker has maintained Affairs shall nevertheless ensure that— And that they would be continued at order throughout this debate. (1) payments of existing veterans benefits a rate for operations not to exceed the Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order are made in accordance with regular proce- rate in existence on December 15, 1995. against the motion to recommit with dures and schedules and in accordance with That is all it does. It simply says if instructions because it is not germane eligibility requirements for such benefits; you are going to open up the Veterans to the underlying resolution, and as and (2) payments to contractors of the Veter- Department, open it up to everyone. such is in violation of clause 7, of Rule ans Health Administration of the Depart- I would urge the Members of the ma- XVI. ment of Veterans Affairs are made when due jority, in the interest of comity, in the Mr. Speaker, I quote from the Prece- in the case of services provided that directly interest of rationality, to accept this dents of the House: relate to patient health and safety. amendment. It is not in order to do indirectly by a mo- ‘‘(3) all other authorized activities of the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tion to commit with instructions what may Department of Veterans Affairs including of my time. not be done directly by way of amendment. processing of existing and new applications for benefits and pensions, processing of cer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, a specific proposition tificates of eligibility for homeownership Chair recognizes the gentleman from can not be amended by another propo- loans and loan guarantees, and payment of Louisiana [Mr. LIVINGSTON] for 5 min- sition broader in scope. The motion to salaries of federal government personnel pro- utes. recommit deals with funding and au- viding health care for our nation’s veterans, Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I am thorizing activities outside the Depart- are continued at a rate for operations not to compelled to oppose this motion, and I ment of Veterans Affairs, and therefore exceed the rate in existence on December 15, ask that it be defeated. We have made 1995. is not germane to the underlying reso- a good-faith effort to address the spe- lution which deals only with funding (b) FUNDING.—There is hereby appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the pay- cific veterans’ problems that were in- for selected activities in this depart- ments pursuant to subsection (a), including cluded in this bill, so that they can get ment. such amounts as may be necessary for the their checks next week. We should pass Mr. Speaker, the gentleman’s motion costs of administration of such payments. this bill. to instruct is not germane, and I ask (c) CHARGING OF ACCOUNTS WHEN APPRO- We want to work with all parties, the for a ruling from the Chair. PRIATIONS MADE.—In any case in which the White House, the minority, and various Secretary uses the authority of subsection The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the members of our committee to take gentleman from Wisconsin desire to be (a) to make payments, applicable accounts shall be charged for amounts so paid, and for care of the balance of the other con- heard on the point of order? cerns down the line. But let us defeat Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I would sim- the costs of administration of such pay- ments, when regular appropriations become this motion, let us pass the bill, let us ply say that the purpose of this resolu- available for those purposes. conclude our business and let us go tion tonight is to open certain func- (d) EXISTING BENEFITS SPECIFIED.—For pur- home for the night. tions of the veterans Department so poses of this section, existing veterans bene- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance that the public can receive the benefit fits are benefits under laws administered by of my time. of the services from that department. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without We are simply saying that since it been adjudicated and authorized for payment objection, the previous question is or- has already been announced that gov- as of— (1) December 15, 1995; or dered on the motion to recommit. ernment workers will be paid after- (2) if appropriations for such benefits are There was no objection. wards, whether they work or not, that available (other than pursuant to subsection we think they ought to be allowed to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (b)) after December 15, 1995, the last day on question is on the motion to recommit. work, and I will leave the ruling in the which appropriations for payment for such hands of the Chair. benefits are available (other than pursuant The question was taken; and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Using to subsection (b)). Speaker pro tempore announced that the same reasoning as in the case of Mr. OBEY (during the reading). Mr. the noes appeared to have it. the previous point of order, the Chair Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that RECORDED VOTE finds that the amendment proposed in the motion to recommit be considered Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a this second motion to recommit ex- as read and printed in the RECORD. recorded vote. ceeds the relatively narrow ambit of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there A recorded vote was ordered. the joint resolution by addressing the objection to the request of the gen- The vote was taken by electronic de- compensation of Federal employees on tleman from Wisconsin? vice, and there were—ayes 178, noes 234, government-wide bases. Accordingly, There was no objection. not voting 21, as follows: December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15307 [Roll No. 873] Heineman McDade Schaefer Christensen Hansen Menendez Herger McHugh Schiff Chrysler Harman Metcalf AYES—178 Hilleary McInnis Seastrand Clay Hastert Meyers Abercrombie Gonzalez Obey Hobson McIntosh Sensenbrenner Clayton Hastings (FL) Mfume Ackerman Gordon Ortiz Hoekstra McKeon Shadegg Clement Hastings (WA) Mica Andrews Green Orton Hoke Metcalf Shaw Clinger Hayes Miller (CA) Baesler Hamilton Owens Horn Meyers Shays Clyburn Hayworth Miller (FL) Baldacci Harman Pallone Hostettler Mica Shuster Coble Hefley Minge Barcia Hastings (FL) Pastor Houghton Miller (FL) Skeen Coburn Hefner Mink Barrett (WI) Hefner Payne (NJ) Hunter Molinari Smith (MI) Coleman Heineman Moakley Becerra Hilliard Pelosi Hutchinson Montgomery Smith (NJ) Collins (GA) Herger Molinari Bentsen Hinchey Peterson (FL) Hyde Moorhead Smith (TX) Collins (IL) Hilleary Mollohan Berman Holden Peterson (MN) Inglis Morella Smith (WA) Collins (MI) Hilliard Montgomery Bevill Hoyer Pickett Istook Myrick Solomon Combest Hinchey Moorhead Bishop Jackson (IL) Pomeroy Johnson (CT) Nethercutt Souder Condit Hobson Moran Bonior Jackson-Lee Poshard Johnson, Sam Neumann Spence Cooley Hoekstra Morella Borski (TX) Rahall Jones Ney Stearns Costello Hoke Murtha Boucher Jacobs Rangel Kasich Norwood Stockman Cox Holden Myrick Brewster Jefferson Reed Kelly Nussle Stump Coyne Horn Nadler Browder Johnson (SD) Richardson Kim Oxley Talent Cramer Hostettler Neal Brown (CA) Johnson, E. B. Rivers King Packard Tate Crane Houghton Nethercutt Brown (FL) Johnston Roemer Kingston Parker Tauzin Crapo Hoyer Neumann Brown (OH) Kanjorski Roukema Klug Paxon Taylor (NC) Cremeans Hunter Ney Bryant (TX) Kaptur Roybal-Allard Knollenberg Petri Thomas Cubin Hutchinson Norwood Cardin Kennedy (MA) Rush Kolbe Pombo Thornberry Cunningham Hyde Nussle Clay Kennedy (RI) Sabo LaHood Porter Tiahrt Danner Inglis Oberstar Clayton Kennelly Sanders Largent Portman Torkildsen Davis Istook Olver Clement Kildee Sawyer Latham Pryce Upton de la Garza Jackson (IL) Ortiz Clyburn Kleczka Schroeder LaTourette Quillen Vucanovich Deal Jackson-Lee Orton Coleman Klink Schumer Laughlin Quinn Waldholtz DeFazio (TX) Owens Collins (IL) LaFalce Scott Lazio Radanovich Walker DeLauro Jacobs Oxley Collins (MI) Levin Serrano Leach Ramstad Walsh DeLay Jefferson Packard Condit Lewis (GA) Sisisky Lewis (CA) Regula Wamp Dellums Johnson (CT) Pallone Costello Lincoln Skelton Lewis (KY) Riggs Watts (OK) Deutsch Johnson (SD) Parker Coyne Lipinski Slaughter Lightfoot Roberts Weldon (FL) Diaz-Balart Johnson, E. B. Pastor Cramer Lofgren Spratt Linder Rogers Weller Dickey Johnson, Sam Paxon Danner Lowey Stenholm Livingston Rohrabacher White Dicks Johnston Payne (NJ) de la Garza Luther Stokes LoBiondo Ros-Lehtinen Whitfield Dingell Jones Pelosi DeFazio Maloney Studds Longley Roth Wicker Dixon Kanjorski Peterson (FL) DeLauro Manton Stupak Lucas Royce Wolf Doggett Kaptur Peterson (MN) Dellums Markey Tanner Manzullo Salmon Young (AK) Dooley Kasich Petri Deutsch Martinez Taylor (MS) Martini Sanford Young (FL) Doolittle Kelly Pickett Dicks Mascara Tejeda McCollum Saxton Zeliff Dornan Kennedy (MA) Pombo Dingell Matsui Thompson McCrery Scarborough Zimmer Doyle Kennedy (RI) Pomeroy Dixon McCarthy Thornton Porter NOT VOTING—21 Dreier Kennelly Doggett McDermott Thurman Duncan Kildee Portman Dooley McHale Torres Beilenson Gilchrest Rose Dunn Kim Poshard Doyle McKinney Torricelli Chapman Gutierrez Skaggs Durbin King Pryce Durbin McNulty Towns Conyers Hall (OH) Stark Ehlers Kingston Quillen Engel Meehan Traficant Edwards Lantos Weldon (PA) Ehrlich Kleczka Quinn Eshoo Meek Velazquez Filner Myers Williams Emerson Klink Radanovich Evans Menendez Vento Flake Olver Wilson Engel Klug Rahall Farr Mfume Visclosky Foglietta Payne (VA) Yates English Knollenberg Ramstad Fattah Miller (CA) Volkmer Ensign Kolbe Rangel Fazio Minge Ward b 2242 Eshoo LaFalce Reed Fields (LA) Mink Waters Regula So the motion to recommit was re- Evans LaHood Ford Moakley Watt (NC) Everett Largent Richardson Frank (MA) Mollohan Waxman jected. Ewing Latham Riggs Frost Moran Wise The result of the vote was announced Farr LaTourette Rivers Roberts Furse Murtha Woolsey as above recorded. Fattah Laughlin Gejdenson Nadler Wyden Fawell Lazio Roemer Gephardt Neal Wynn The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fazio Leach Rogers Gibbons Oberstar LAHOOD). The question is on the pas- Fields (LA) Levin Rohrabacher Fields (TX) Lewis (CA) Ros-Lehtinen NOES—234 sage of the joint resolution. Roth The question was taken; and the Flanagan Lewis (GA) Allard Castle Ewing Foley Lewis (KY) Roukema Archer Chabot Fawell Speaker pro tempore announced that Forbes Lightfoot Roybal-Allard Armey Chambliss Fields (TX) the ayes appeared to have it. Ford Lincoln Royce Rush Bachus Chenoweth Flanagan Mr. LIVINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, on Fowler Linder Baker (CA) Christensen Foley Fox Lipinski Sabo Baker (LA) Chrysler Forbes that I demand the yeas and nays. Frank (MA) Livingston Salmon Ballenger Clinger Fowler The yeas and nays were ordered. Franks (CT) LoBiondo Sanders Barr Coble Fox Franks (NJ) Lofgren Sanford The vote was taken by electronic de- Sawyer Barrett (NE) Coburn Franks (CT) vice, and there were—yeas 411, nays 1, Frelinghuysen Longley Bartlett Collins (GA) Franks (NJ) Frisa Lowey Saxton Barton Combest Frelinghuysen not voting 21, as follows: Frost Lucas Scarborough Schaefer Bass Cooley Frisa [Roll No. 874] Funderburk Luther Bateman Cox Funderburk Furse Maloney Schiff Bereuter Crane Gallegly YEAS—411 Gallegly Manton Schroeder Bilbray Crapo Ganske Abercrombie Becerra Brown (FL) Ganske Manzullo Schumer Bilirakis Cremeans Gekas Ackerman Bentsen Brown (OH) Gejdenson Markey Scott Bliley Cubin Geren Allard Bereuter Brownback Gekas Martinez Seastrand Blute Cunningham Gillmor Andrews Berman Bryant (TN) Gephardt Martini Sensenbrenner Boehlert Davis Gilman Archer Bevill Bryant (TX) Geren Mascara Serrano Boehner Deal Goodlatte Armey Bilbray Bunn Gillmor Matsui Shadegg Bonilla DeLay Goodling Bachus Bilirakis Bunning Gilman McCarthy Shaw Bono Diaz-Balart Goss Baesler Bishop Burr Gonzalez McCollum Shays Brownback Dickey Graham Baker (CA) Bliley Burton Goodlatte McCrery Shuster Bryant (TN) Doolittle Greenwood Baker (LA) Blute Buyer Goodling McDade Sisisky Bunn Dornan Gunderson Baldacci Boehlert Callahan Gordon McDermott Skeen Bunning Dreier Gutknecht Ballenger Boehner Calvert Goss McHale Skelton Burr Duncan Hall (TX) Barcia Bonilla Camp Graham McHugh Slaughter Burton Dunn Hancock Barr Bonior Campbell Green McInnis Smith (MI) Buyer Ehlers Hansen Barrett (NE) Bono Canady Greenwood McIntosh Smith (NJ) Callahan Ehrlich Hastert Barrett (WI) Borski Cardin Gunderson McKeon Smith (TX) Calvert Emerson Hastings (WA) Bartlett Boucher Castle Gutknecht McKinney Smith (WA) Camp English Hayes Barton Brewster Chabot Hall (TX) McNulty Solomon Campbell Ensign Hayworth Bass Browder Chambliss Hamilton Meehan Souder Canady Everett Hefley Bateman Brown (CA) Chenoweth Hancock Meek Spence H 15308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 Spratt Thurman Watt (NC) NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER the President has approved a budget. Stearns Tiahrt Watts (OK) Stenholm Torkildsen Waxman PRIVILEGED RESOLUTION PRO- Today marks the 81st day that this Stockman Torres Weldon (FL) VIDING DEFICIT REDUCTION AND Congress has been delinquent in fulfill- Stokes Torricelli Weller ACHIEVE A BALANCED BUDGET ing our statutory responsibility of en- Studds Towns White BY FISCAL YEAR 2002 acting a budget into law; and again, Stump Traficant Whitfield Stupak Upton Wicker Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. one has passed, but short of the two- Talent Velazquez Wise Speaker, I have a privileged resolution thirds majority needed to override the Tanner Vento Wolf presidential veto. Tate Visclosky Woolsey at the desk. Tauzin Volkmer Wyden The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. Speaker, by failing to enact a Taylor (MS) Vucanovich Wynn LAHOOD). Is the gentleman from Mis- budget into law, this body has failed to Taylor (NC) Waldholtz Young (AK) sissippi making a notice? fulfill our most basic constitutionally Tejeda Walker Young (FL) Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. I have a Thomas Walsh Zeliff mandated duties. This Congress has Thompson Wamp Zimmer privileged resolution at the desk. As failed to appropriate the necessary Thornberry Ward you know, the Chair can either bring funds to fulfill the vital functions of Thornton Waters this up immediately—— our Nation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The NAYS—1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the Chair would advise the gentleman from gentleman from Mississippi suspend? Obey Mississippi that there is no privileged The Chair would advise the gen- resolution at the desk. NOT VOTING—21 tleman, the gentleman needs to make PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Beilenson Gibbons Rose notice to the House of his resolution. Chapman Gilchrest Skaggs Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I have a The Chair would ask the gentleman to Conyers Gutierrez Stark parliamentary inquiry. state his notice. Edwards Hall (OH) Weldon (PA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Filner Lantos Williams tleman from Pennsylvania will state Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. Flake Myers Wilson Speaker, I am doing so in telling my Foglietta Payne (VA) Yates his inquiry. Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, the in- fellow Members. quiry that the gentleman from Penn- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Could b 2258 sylvania has is, has his privileged mo- the gentleman from Mississippi read the title of his resolution in order to So the joint resolution was passed. tion been properly noticed? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The give notice to the House? The result of the vote was announced Chair believes that the gentleman is Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Sir, as of as above recorded. trying to properly notice his resolution today, I am introducing the coalition A motion to reconsider was laid on as privileged. budget, H.R. 2530, to provide for deficit the table. The Chair recognizes the gentleman reduction and achieve a balanced budg- from Mississippi [Mr. TAYLOR]. et by fiscal year 2002, as a privileged f Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. resolution and request its immediate Speaker, I am informing the Chair of consideration. my intention to serve a privileged reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE OPEN lution before this body, and as the FOR ALL CITIZENS rule IX, a resolution offered from the Chair knows, under the Rules of the floor by a Member other than the ma- (Mr. OBEY asked and was given per- House, the Chair may bring this up im- jority leader or the minority leader as mediately or may ask for a 2-legisla- mission to address the House for 1 a question of the privileges of the tive-day delay on this matter. House has immediate precedence only minute and to revise and extend his re- Since the matter involves the highest marks.) at a time or place designated by the privilege of the Members collectively, Speaker in the legislative schedule Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I simply and that is the privilege of doing our within 2 legislative days of its being take this time to explain for the constitutionally mandated responsibil- properly noticed. That designation will RECORD why I have cast the only vote ity of providing for the budget in the be announced at a later time. against the proposition the House just appropriations of this country, I would In the meantime, the form of the res- voted on. I did not vote no because I ask for its immediate consideration. As you know, Mr. Speaker, we have olution proffered by the gentleman was opposed to the proposition; as I from Mississippi will appear in the said during debate, no one was opposed no budget before this country, and RECORD at this point. to the proposition. But House rules dic- 300,000 good people are wondering The Chair is not at this point making tate if I were to be in a position to whether or not they are going to get a determination as to whether the res- offer a motion to recommit that I need- paid. olution constitutes a question of privi- ed to vote ‘‘no’’ on final passage. We have a job to do. We are 81 days late in fulfilling our legal responsibil- lege. That determination will be made I did so because I felt strongly that ity of providing for a budget for this at a time designated for consideration we should not only open the govern- country. The budget that was passed of the resolution. ment for the services provided in the has been vetoed by the President. Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Will the resolution, but should also open the There are not sufficient votes to get Speaker recognize me for a unanimous- Government for the purpose of other the two-thirds majority to override the consent request? services that could be provided by the President, and it is my intention to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The veterans department, and all other submit, as a result of that, privileged Chair would advise the gentleman that government employees as well. resolution H.R. 2530, commonly re- the title will appear in the RECORD. The motion that I offered included ferred to as the coalition budget, in an Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. The all of the language of the original reso- effort to break this impasse. Chair has fulfilled my request. lution, plus the additional language I would like to point out that under rule IV of the Rules of the House of PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES that would have opened up other func- Representatives, Questions of Privi- Mr. BROWDER Mr. Speaker, I have a tions of the veterans department, pro- lege, clause 1 states questions of privi- parliamentary inquiry. viding those services as well, and lege shall be, first, those affecting the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- opened up all other agencies of the gov- rights of the House collectively. Arti- tleman will state it. ernment which remained closed. cle I, section 9, clause 7 reads, and I am Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Speaker, the So for procedural reasons, to protect guoting, ‘‘No money shall be drawn gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. TAY- my right to offer that language which from the Treasury but in consequence LOR] has filed a motion, and I under- included all of the language provided in of an appropriation made by law.’’ stand that the Chair has ruled that this the original resolution, I was required Obviously, we cannot solve this budg- will be dealt with by the Speaker in by the House rules to vote ‘‘no.’’. et impasse until we have passed and the next 2 days. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15309 My inquiry is this: Does this mean gressman when it comes to constituent started to come toward him, saying, that before we leave this Friday that services and legislative advocacy. are you a Member of Congress. Jack this request will be scheduled by the His 10 terms of outstanding service to figured here was another guy coming Speaker so that the people of this the people of Chester County and Lan- to recognize him, the potential Presi- country will not go through Christmas caster County in Pennsylvania have dential candidate and a well-known without a budget for the U.S. Govern- certainly shown just what an outstand- sports star and Congressman; and when ment? ing Congressman can do for his State Jack Kemp said, I am, the guy said, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and his community. He is Pennsylva- well, then you must know BOB WALKER. Chair would advise the gentleman that nia’s favorite son, ROBERT WALKER, a I have seen him on C–SPAN. consideration will be scheduled within champion. All of us have seen BOB on C–SPAN, 2 legislative days by the Speaker. As chairman of the Committee on but what a lot of folks have not seen is Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, par- Science, he has worked to increase re- that BOB WALKER is a guy who was al- liamentary inquiry. search for health care, for jobs, and for ways here to help anybody who comes The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- science. This is a man who loves this out on the House floor, who has a legis- tleman will state it. institution, who has respected its tra- lative initiative. Whether you are a Mr. WALKER. In the action that just ditions, its history. It seems appro- freshman or a Member who has been took place here a few minutes ago with priate that the House now stands, Mr. here for 16 years, Bob is always gra- regard to the privileged resolution, is Speaker, poised on the verge of passing cious, always willing to help, and the totality of the privileged resolu- a balanced budget for the first time maybe most importantly, always ready tion, namely the budget offered by the since 1969, and that with Congressman to fight for you. gentleman, going to be printed in the ROBERT WALKER, his inspiration, his I can remember when we did the all- RECORD, or just the title? spirit, his drive, his enthusiasm have night special orders, and BOB would al- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The helped to sustain all Members of the ways be the guy that volunteered for Chair stated earlier the title of the res- House who believe that we can balance the slot from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. in the olution would be printed in the this budget, that we can in the next morning. That takes a lot of guts. RECORD. few days or weeks come to an agree- A great American, and it is a real Mr. WALKER. So the totality of the ment with the President of the United tragedy that he is leaving this House, a resolution would not be printed? States and the Senate in helping our wonderful friend of all of us. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The children, our grandchildren, to pass a Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I am hop- title of the bill will be printed, not the balanced budget. ing this special order will change his totality. We know from Alan Greenspan that mind. Mr. WALKER. I thank the Chair. by passing a balanced budget we will I yield to the gentleman from Geor- Mr. TANNER. Parliamentary in- reduce interest rates and thereby re- gia, Congressman KINGSTON. quiry, Mr. Speaker. duce the cost of home mortgages, car Mr. KINGSTON. I feel that I am a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- expenses and college costs. The bal- second-generation special order guy; I tleman will state it. anced budget is what we need for our know that I am walking down a trail Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, how country, and ROBERT S. WALKER, the that was blazed by BOB WALKER and much notice would the Chair give to outstanding Congressman from Penn- NEWT GINGRICH and JACK KEMP and the sponsor of the resolution? Would it sylvania, will help lead us there, as he DUNCAN HUNTER and a lot of guys be- be tomorrow or would it be Friday, or has through many fights, to make sure fore use who got a lot of people in the is it impossible for the Speaker to so we maintain fiscal responsibility in habit of watching C–SPAN, but more advise at the moment? this country. importantly got people to tune in to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I am proud to yield to the gentleman the issues of reducing the size of Gov- Chair intend to give adequate notice to from Arizona [MR. HAYWORTH], for his ernment, providing tax relief, welfare Members. comments. reform, cutting down on Government, Mr. HAYWORTH. I thank my good micromanagement out of Washington, f friend from Pennsylvania, and I would and increasing personal freedom and join him in the remarks of respect and SPECIAL ORDERS responsibility, and I attribute that to affection for our colleague, BOB WALK- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under BOB WALKER. ER. the Speaker’s announced policy of May Mr. Speaker, through C–SPAN, mil- Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Thank 12, 1995, and under a previous order of lions of Americans have been able to you, Mr. Speaker, for your indulgence the House, the following Members are see the expertise and the grace and the and thank you, BOB WALKER, for being recognized for 5 minutes each. a great American and a great Congress- exemplary conduct with which ROBERT man. f WALKER has comported himself on this TRIBUTE TO ROBERT WALKER floor. While it was his brother, Wally, f who grew to a taller height and start- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ed, both at the University of Virginia b 2315 previous order of the House, the gen- and the National Basketball Associa- tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX] is tion, and still labors in the front office THE BUDGET DEBATE recognized for 5 minutes. of the Seattle Supersonics, I think it is Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speak- safe to say that BOB WALKER has al- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. er, I rise on this occasion to speak to ways stood tall, both for the people of CHRYSLER). Under a previous order of my colleagues about someone very spe- Pennsylvania Dutch country, and more the House, the gentlewoman from Flor- cial who has been working very hard importantly, for the entire citizenry of ida [Ms. BROWN] is recognized for 5 for this House and this country and the the United States. minutes. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 20 With that, I would yield back to my Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, years. I speak of Congressman ROBERT colleague from Pennsylvania, [Mr. older Americans have fought this coun- WALKER who announced this week that FOX]. try’s wars, built its cities, reared its he would not be seeking an 11th term Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I would children and tilled its soil. They de- in the House of Representatives. yield to the gentleman from California serve much and need much. So said the There is no one I can think of pres- [Mr. HUNTER]. late Claude Pepper, who served Florida ently, in Congress or in recent years, Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman for 15 years in the Senate and 26 years who has been more of a deficit hawk, a for yielding, and let me just say that more in the House. He was a true budget hawk, or a U.S. Representative everybody holds BOB WALKER in great champion for the seniors of Florida and extraordinaire. His expertise on par- esteem. this country. liamentary rules has been the best, and I am reminded of a story by Jack Mr. Speaker, we all agree that we for many of us, like myself, he has been Kemp when he was on a plane in the were sent to Congress to pass a respon- a role model for how to be a U.S. Con- Caribbean, and somebody saw him and sible budget. But I do not believe we H 15310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 should balance the budget on the backs run out and have refused to bring up lars. Now we have come to the time we of the elderly, the sick, the poor, and another one, and as a consequence, the have to make the decision. the disabled. Government shutdown is in a sense the Everyone in America knows that Claude Pepper once said, ‘‘My one hostage that is being held by the Re- there is a lot that we can remove from great wish is to live long enough to see publican leadership because they can- this budget without serious harm to the day when this great and prosperous not get their way, if you will, on the anything. What is going on, then? What Nation can give every man, woman, budget. is going on in this House? What is and child every bit of health care he or Ms. BROWN of Florida. I heard some going on is a titanic battle that is she needs. I think this is a part of the of the freshmen earlier said that they being waged that will determine the American dream.’’ would never vote for another continu- destiny of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I share Claude Pepper’s ing resolution. Did we not just have The question that will be answered in dream. Let us protect seniors. Let us one on VA? the next 2 weeks, 3 weeks, month or so, pass a responsible budget, and let us do Mr. PALLONE. We had one on VA. will we in this time be able to balance it now. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Did they not the budget or will we continue with the I yield to the gentleman from New vote for it? deficits that are destroying this Na- Jersey [Mr. PALLONE]. Mr. PALLONE. They voted for one Would the gentleman explain for the tion? This huge $5 trillion debt is just with the VA but they refused to constituents of Florida why we are into strangling America. The interest on bring up a larger continuing resolution this second shutdown. And I think the this debt will surpass the defense that would prevent the rest of the Gov- first one cost over $800 million? spending, the huge defense spending Mr. PALLONE. Exactly. ernment from being shut down. Basi- bill. The interest will surpass defense I appreciate the gentlewoman from cally, what they are doing is playing spending next year in the budget that Florida bringing that to our attention. politics, because they know that veter- we start on in the next few months. I think that much of that has been ans’ benefits will not go out tomorrow. My wife and I have realized the lost, unfortunately, during the debate. So they agreed to let that go by, but American dream. We own our own The bottom line is that after the first they refused to worry about the other home, free and clear. We run a small shutdown, both the President and the benefits, the other programs, whether business in our home. It is not a large Congress got together and passed what it be education or some of the other so- business, just a small business. But we call a continuing resolution which cial programs or agencies, whatever is that, to me, and I think to most peo- allowed the Government to operate for necessary for various agencies. ple, is the American dream. few weeks while the parties involved Ms. BROWN of Florida. I was talking But let us look to the future. What worked out their differences over the about Claude Pepper earlier, and I have chance do our children, what chance do budget. The resolution that was passed a picture of Claude and Lyndon Baines our grandchildren have to realize the not only called for the Government to Johnson together. American dream? A child born in 1995 continue to operate, it also called for a I have heard these Republicans get will pay $187,000 in taxes just to pay balanced budget in 7 years, and it rec- up here and talk about they want to the interest on the debt. Just to pay ognized certain priorities that had to tear this Government down, brick by the interest on the debt—$187,000 will be protected as part of that budget, brick. I think the American people buy a pretty good house today. The such as Medicare, Medicaid, education. need to weigh in on how they want this previous spending has destroyed the Ms. BROWN of Florida. School lunch. country to look, whether or not they American dream for a lot of the chil- Mr. PALLONE. Environment, nutri- just want this country for the rich and dren that will be born in 1995, because tion programs, et cetera. The problem famous or for all of us. it is that $187,000 house that they are is that when that resolution ran out Mr. PALLONE. I think you are abso- not going to get, because they had to last Friday, the Republican leadership lutely right. This is the first time, and pay that $187,000 just to pay the inter- refused to bring up another continuing I think it is outrageous, that people est on the national debt. resolution. They have not done so Fri- have articulated that they are going to Every vote for an unbalanced budget day, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tues- close the Government down because over the last 40 years was a vote to de- day. Now we are into the fifth day, if they cannot get their way on legisla- stroy the American dream for our own you will, without a continuing resolu- tion. children. tion, which means that the Govern- Ms. BROWN of Florida. In closing, We have got to look at this interest ment continues to be shut down. They you can fool some of the people some of thing and the amount of money that have refused so far to meet the agree- the time but you cannot fool all of the we pay in interest. England is still pay- ment, if you will, of the previous con- people all of the time. ing interest on the money that they tinuing resolution. f Ms. BROWN of Florida. Does the con- borrowed to fight Napoleon. They have paid that principal in interest over 15 tinuing resolution have anything to do A TITANIC BUDGET BATTLE with the budget talks that we can pick times and they still owe that principal. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a up in January and go on until the No- Mr. Speaker, we have to balance the previous order of the House, the gen- vember election of 1996? Because I real- budget. We have no choice. This is not tleman from Washington [Mr. ly believe that the American people are really negotiable. A balanced budget METCALF] is recognized for 5 minutes. going to have to resolve this. They with honest numbers is the only way Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, is there have got to decide what kind of House that we will protect the American anyone in America that believes that do they want. dream for our children and grand- Mr. PALLONE. Exactly. there is no waste in our budget today? children, and we must succeed at that. Ms. BROWN of Florida. And whether That we cannot make cuts or decrease or not they want this House to be run the increases which have been pro- f by extreme radicals. jected, in a $1.6 trillion budget? We spend over $1.6 trillion each year. Mr. PALLONE. Exactly. I think the PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY point is that we had agreed, with the Some say there is no way we can cut it previous continuing resolution, that at all. Every dollar we try to cut brings Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I have while we worked out our differences on a chorus of screams. Any projected in- a parliamentary inquiry. the budget, the Government would con- crease that we try to decrease, they The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tinue to operate. And it set forth an say will devastate Medicare and will tleman will state it. agreement that we would have a 7-year take food out of the mouths of chil- Mr. KINGSTON. With both the Dem- balanced budget, assuming that certain dren, it will put the poor right out on ocrat and the Republican leaders hav- priorities were maintained, such as the streets. ing an hour left and there being less Medicare and Medicaid and some of the This is a huge system that has been than 1 hour remaining, we would like other programs that you mentioned. built, a spending system that has been to split the time. That being the case, The problem now is that the Repub- built over many years. It is producing I would like to know how much time licans let that continuing resolution deficits of hundreds of billions of dol- each side would have. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15311 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Each that the price of the Government shut- with the majority party that governs side will have 171⁄2 minutes. down is not only millions of dollars the Congress. Mr. KINGSTON. It is my intention to that are lost because Federal employ- Today it was my understanding actu- split that time with the gentleman ees will get paid for doing nothing, and ally that the leadership in the Repub- from New Jersey [Mr. PALLONE]. also the fact that the Government has lican Party, both Speaker GINGRICH f to keep certain essential services and the House, as well as the Senate going, but also that many Americans FAILURE TO PASS CONTINUING leadership in the Senate, were willing who have paid taxes all along simply RESOLUTION A REAL TRAGEDY to go along with a continuing resolu- do not have the benefit of Government tion to reopen the government, and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under services that for many of them are President articulated and said that the Speaker’s announced policy of May very important or are very necessary. that was the case, and they, both of the 12, 1995, the gentleman from New Jer- We only dealt with one aspect of that gentlemen who lead the House and the sey [Mr. PALLONE] is recognized for 171⁄2 this evening, and that was with veter- Senate, indicated to the President that minutes as the designee of the minor- ans’ benefits. Thankfully the Repub- they were willing to go along with ity leader. lican majority was willing to bring up that. But our understanding is that Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want- the provision that would allow veter- when Speaker GINGRICH went back to ed to use my time tonight to point out ans’ benefits to be paid starting tomor- the Republican Caucus, he was told what I consider to be a real tragedy in row. But for whatever political reasons mostly by the less senior members, the what has happened here today in the they saw fit to do that so as not to of- freshmen and some others perhaps, House of Representatives. This morn- fend the veterans, the same should be that that was unacceptable, that the ing when we began the session, I was done for every other Government agen- government should not continue to op- particularly upset because the gen- cy and every other Government pro- erate until the budget is signed by the tleman from Texas, who is part of the gram. They should be allowed to con- President. Republican leadership, got up and tinue to operate. made a point of the fact that it was in- Just as an example, we have as of day I think that those on our side who cumbent, if you will, on the Republican 5 of this shutdown, this second shut- have characterized many of the new majority to shut down the Government down now, almost 2 million people who members of the Republican Party as until they were able to get agreement have been turned away from National extremists because of their position on on the budget. Park Service facilities. Four hundred the budget realize now that those ex- I strongly disagree with the message thousand people have been turned away tremist elements, if you will, within that was sent in that regard. As the from the Smithsonian museums and the Republican Members of Congress day went on, we saw speaker after the National Zoo just here in Washing- are now controlling the show and that speaker on the Republican side get up ton. Sixty thousand students and par- even the Speaker, who has the respon- and say basically the same thing, ents applying for Pell grants or student sibility, if you will, to represent the which is that if the Republicans cannot loans have not had their applications majority party, does not have the abil- get their way on the budget, if the processed and may not be able to pay ity any more to control those extrem- President and I guess the Democrats in for college. Over 780 small businesses ist elements within the Republican the House do not agree on the policy of have not received SBA guaranteed fi- Party, the less senior members who the budget that the Republicans have nancing totaling over $120 million in want to hold the government hostage put forth, then we should simply shut loans. And about 720 calls made to the because they cannot get their way on down the Government and it should EPA, the Environmental Protection the budget. not continue to operate until that Agency’s hot line for drinking water Now in the time that I have left I agreement is reached. contamination outbreaks, have gone would like to talk about these prior- That is totally the opposite of what I unanswered. ities that the President has set forward believe we should be doing here and I could go on. There is a long list of and that he insists must be maintained what I believe the obligation of the the various Government services that in the context of a 7-year balanced majority is. are not functioning now with the shut- budget before he would sign the bill, The majority that was elected in this down. Again, I would say, what is the before he would sign a budget bill, and House of Representatives in November reason for this? What possible reason is I want to stress that these are impor- of 1994, like any majority, has the obli- there to hold the government hostage tant priorities, these are priorities that gation to govern. The obligation to and to not allow the taxpayers who effect every American in some way. govern means that the Government have paid for these services to receive One of the most important, of course, continues to operate while you work them and thus be inconvenienced? is Medicare. out your differences with the minority b or with the President about what the 2330 The problem is that the Republican budget should be. We could talk about passport offices, budget would take so much money out Speaker GINGRICH actually articu- we could talk about many other things of Medicare that Medicare as we know lated a few weeks ago exactly what the that are not being accomplished here. it essentially would not be able to con- position is that the Republicans rep- The problem is that the President tinue to operate. And for those who resented today. He said, ‘‘I don’t care and the Democrats in Congress to- doubt that that is the case I will go what the price is, I don’t care if we gether have a very different sense of a back to a statement that Speaker have no executive offices and no bonds priority for a balanced budget than the GINGRICH made awhile ago on Medicare for 30 days, not at this time.’’ Republican majority, and what I have where he said, ‘‘We don’t do not get rid It is totally irresponsible in my opin- maintained all along is, if there are of it in round one because we don’t ion to hold the Government hostage, in those differences, and there are, we think that’s politically smart, and we essence, and say that unless we get our should continue to operate the govern- don’t think that’s the right way to go way on this budget, unless our prior- ment while we work out the dif- through a transition period, be we be- ities are met, we are going to keep this ferences, and do not misunderstand lieve it is going to wither on the vine Government shut down. That is exactly that the Republican majority, because because we think people are volun- what we have in front of us. they control the Congress, they are the tarily going to leave it.’’ He said that; This evening there was a continuing only ones that can bring up a continu- it was quoted in the Washington Post resolution passed, a continuing resolu- ing resolution and send it to the Presi- on October 26 of this year. tion, which is what allows the Govern- dent so that government can continue This is the problem. So much money ment to continue to operate, only on to operate. So, if anyone suggests to is cut out of the Medicare program one aspect of the government shutdown you that somehow the President is under the Republican budget, and the and that was with regard to veterans’ shutting the government down, it is way that the Medicare program is benefits. simply not true. The legislative respon- transformed essentially so that those But it should be pointed out, as it sibility for passing the continuing reso- who now have a choice of doctors are was today by many of the Democrats, lution exists with the Congress and essentially pushed into managed care H 15312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 or HMOs where they do not have a but I just wanted to show this chart we are supposed to go the next few choice any more, the changes to the that gives you some indication of the days when so many in the Republican Medicare program are going to be so exploding costs of the Republican tax Party in Congress now insist that the radical, if you will, and the money is breaks. Government should remain shut down going to be so much less in terms of The tax breaks are not only the and that unless the President simply what is needed to operate a quality wrong way to go because they are fi- signs on the dotted line what the Re- Medicare program that Medicare will nancing tax breaks for mostly wealthy publicans want in the budget, that we essentially wither on the vine and people in order to cut Medicare and are going to continue to have this im- eventually cease to exist. That is the Medicaid, but they also do exactly the passe. major reason why the President and opposite, if you will, of what the Re- This impasse is having a terrible ef- the Democrats in the Congress are so publicans say they want to do with this fect on our country. Many of you saw concerned not to go along with this Re- budget. They say they want to balance that the stock market once again publican budget. the budget, they want to eliminate the plunged today. It is going to have a And, secondly, there is also the Med- Federal deficit, and that is certainly a major impact on the economy during icaid program which is the health care noble goal that both Democrats and the Christmas holiday and beyond, and program for low income individuals, Republicans in Congress, as well as the I think that it is really tragic that so mainly again seniors, the disabled, President, want to accomplish. But many of my colleagues on the Repub- children, and, in many cases, pregnant how in the world do you manage to bal- lican side got up today during the var- women. The Medicaid Program under ance the budget if you provide more ious times of the debate and said that the Republican budget, $163 billion is tax breaks for wealthy Americans, or they were insistent on closing the Gov- cut out of it essentially making it so for anybody for that matter, and, as ernment down in order to accomplish that it cannot cover all the people that you can see, the cost of the tax breaks their goal. are now eligible for Medicaid, and then in the 7 years that the Republican If I have some time left, I would be it is block granted or sent to the State, budget sets forth beginning from 1996 glad to yield for a question. that money that is essentially cut back into 2002, you can see what that means Mr. KINGSTON. What I would like to is block granted and sent to the States, in terms of the overall budget. It ask you in particular, but not nec- and the States have to decide whether makes it much more difficult to bal- essarily—I mean you and a lot of other or not those who are now covered by ance the budget, and many of us main- Democrats: Medicaid will continue to be covered. tain that by the time the year 2000, or If the Republicans said, ‘‘OK, forget And so Medicaid, like Medicare, essen- 2001, or 2002 comes around, the effect of the taxes,’’ then would Democrats then tially withers on the vine, it does not giving out so many tax breaks will say, ‘‘OK, we’ll balance the budget in 6 have adequate funds, it is block grant- mean that ultimately the budget is not years instead of 7?’’ ed, it is no longer guaranteed, and balanced. Mr. PALLONE. My understanding, many of the people who now receive it So you can really see, I think it and I think that it was brought home will probably end up with no health in- should be clear, why this battle that to you very clearly today with the coa- surance because many of the States, exists, if you will, between the Demo- lition—you know the coalition, a group with the less money that is involved, crats and the Republicans, between the of more conservative Democrats who will not be able to cover the seniors, President and the Republican majority want to bring up their budget—that the disabled, the children, the pregnant in Congress is so important for the fu- one of the things that they have in women who are now covered by Medic- ture of the country. In order to truly their budget is that they say we will aid. balance the budget over 7 years, in Now in the context of this, one of the order to protect Medicare and Medic- use the 7 years that the Republicans most egregious, if you will, problems aid, in order to protect some of the have asked for, we will eliminate all that the President sees and that the other priorities that the President the tax breaks, all the tax cuts, and we Democrats in Congress see, and one of wants to maintain such as education, will take a lot of that money and put it the reasons why they are most unwill- direct student loan programs, environ- back into Medicare and Medicaid in ing to go along with this Republican mental protection to make sure that order to preserve those programs. budget plan, is because the money that our air and water quality does not de- I think that it is not possible to ac- is being taken away from these two teriorate, all these things are crucial, complish the goal. It would be very dif- health care programs is primarily and it is not just a question of people ficult to accomplish the goal of pro- going to tax breaks for wealthy Ameri- getting together and saying, you know, tecting Medicare and Medicaid if you cans and wealthy corporations, and one we can go along with what the Repub- reduced your time frame to less than 7 of the main criteria or one of the main licans have proposed because, if the and made it 6 or 5. concerns that we have is that the Re- President does and if the Democrats I would like to see the money from publicans have so far been unwilling to, do, there are going to be some major the tax break used to be put back into if you will, eliminate or take back negative impacts on the lives of the av- Medicare and Medicaid and keep the most of these tax breaks in order to fi- erage American whether it be their suggested 7-year time limit. nance Medicare and Medicaid. health care, their education, or the Mr. KINGSTON. And does the gen- It would be fairly easy for the Repub- quality of their life. tleman believe that the tax breaks for lican leadership to say, ‘‘OK, we won’t This is important; this is not some- the working people of America, that, provide these tax breaks to wealthy thing that should be trivialized. But I you know, most of it goes to people Americans, we won’t provide these tax would stress again, and I think in clos- with a family earning less than $75,000, breaks to wealthy corporations, and ing, if I could, that the most important that that would not help stimulate the we’ll use that money that we were thing is that the Government should economy and, therefore, increase the going to use for those tax breaks and not be held hostage to the differences number of jobs and, therefore, increase put it back into Medicare and Medicaid between the two parties or between the the revenues? in order to keep those programs via- President and the Republican leader- Mr. PALLONE. I will say this first of ble.’’ But so far there has been no will- ship over the budget. The Government all. I do not agree with the gentleman ingness on the part of the Republican should continue to remain open. A that the majority of the tax breaks go leadership to go in that direction, commitment was made when we passed to middle-income people. I think that I which is one of the reasons why the the last continuing resolution a few can show, and I do not have the chart President can simply not support the weeks ago that we were all going to let here, but I can read some documents to Republican budget the way it has been the Government continue to operate you that show the majority of the laid out. while we negotiated and while we money actually goes to wealthy Ameri- Now I have one more chart here that worked out a 7-year balanced budget cans, but I would say to you, just re- I wanted to, and I only have another 5 that would protect the priorities such spond to your question, if I could, and minutes, and the gentleman can use his as Medicare, Medicaid, education, and I forgot what your question is. time, so let me just finish this, and if the environment, and I was really out- I have a few minutes left, I will yield, raged, and I really do not know where December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15313 A REALISTIC BUDGET the country. Any increase in a govern- gentleman is saying. Does the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ment program that is less than a 40 tleman mean to tell me that the Presi- the Speaker’s announced policy of May percent increase they will call a cut. dent of the United States had a bal- 12, 1995, the gentleman from Georgia Lastly, they have a new term. It is anced budget on the floor and not one called ‘‘radical.’’ Anybody that believes [Mr. KINGSTON] is recognized until mid- Democrat voted for it? Is that what that working men and women who earn night. you are saying? money with their own sweat should be Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. HAYWORTH. I would ask my allowed to keep that money is a radi- to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. friend to yield, because that is the im- cal. The moderate view, the accepted PALLONE], my friend. portant caveat. You see, again the view for the liberals, is that all the Mr. PALLONE. You mean the stimu- President, who talked about a balanced money belongs to the government, and lation of the economy. budget as a campaigner in 1992, said we only in times of extreme prosperity can No, I believe that it is more impor- could balance it in 5 years, and who the government afford to give back more recently has said 7, 8, 9, 10 years, tant to balance the budget than to rely working men and women the money the President of the United States has on a theory that says with these tax that they earned with their own sweat. yet to send to this Congress a budget breaks that will go to most wealthy Otherwise, you are a radical. So we that will balance in 7 years. So I think, Americans that we can stimulate the have some new terms from the liberal quite forthrightly and responsibly, economy. I think the economy would dictionary, and I just heard the fine Democrats, independents, and Repub- be better served by balancing the budg- gentleman from New Jersey expound licans rejected that budget yesterday. et and not using and not providing the on those terms and once again define tax breaks. them for us. Of course, 2 days prior to today there Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gen- Mr. KINGSTON. I yield to the gen- was another resolution on the floor of tleman for his honesty on that. We will tleman from Arizona [Mr. HAYWORTH], this House simply restating the param- have to debate that further and con- but for a minute I want to point out eters and the guidelines for the bal- tinue. the infamous $1 million check that is anced budget agreement, the same Let me yield to the gentleman from waiting here for any Democrat or any words the President signed into law 30 California [Mr. HUNTER], my friend. member of America who can show days ago agreeing to balance the budg- Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank where the Republican plan is cutting et in 7 years, using the honest, non- the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Medicare. It is interesting that this partisan numbers of the Congressional KINGSTON] for yielding and, let me just check is dated December 6, and it has Budget Office. On that occasion, 2 days say that in listening to my friend from been collecting interest because no- ago, not only did this majority vote for New Jersey I have learned I have got body can prove there is a cut and no- that resolution, but so did three out of some new terms for what I call my body can collect this check. every four Democrats, and the lone liberalspeak dictionary. The first term Mr. HAYWORTH. I thank the gen- independent in this Congress, the self- is the rich. tleman for yielding, and to have our described Socialist, the gentleman The rich, according to liberalspeak, colleague, the gentleman from Califor- from Vermont [Mr. SANDERS]. is anybody who has children, because nia, and another great gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I would make this ap- the tax cuts and credits that are given Georgia [Mr. COLLINS] here during the peal to the President of the United in the Republican budget are given to course of this special order with my States. Mr. President, thanks for the people who have children. good friend, the gentleman from Sa- credit, but in reality, if you fancy b 2345 vannah, Georgia, in the well. yourself a student of history and a self- It is worth noting for the RECORD, That means if you get a $500 tax cred- described policy wonk, take a close though, there have been those who look at the real numbers, because you it per child and you are a working guy have tried to change the terms of the who pays $1,500 a year in taxes, you see Republicans, Democrats, and inde- offer, just as they have tried to change pendents united on this floor, and get have three children times $500, you the terms of the debate. Indeed as my take $1,500 off your taxes and you have real numbers into this budget negotia- colleague, the gentleman from Califor- tion process. Then you can join with reduced your taxes to zero. If you are a nia [Mr. HUNTER] pointed out, this lib- guy that pays $50,000 and you have us, Mr. President, and say that you eral lexicon is not limited only to the truly have made history. three children at $500 apiece you take other side of the aisle in this Chamber. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, what I $500 off your $50,000 tax liability, and As my good friends know, Mr. Speaker, wanted to do was get back on the tax you still pay $48,500. The first liberal- that liberal lexicon exists on the other issue a minute. We have the distin- speak term that they have been using end of Pennsylvania Avenue, with a guished gentleman from Georgia on the extensively is ‘‘the rich.’’ ‘‘The rich’’ President who I am sure means well Committee on Ways and Means here, are any people that have children. That but who has the most inventive ap- and the gentleman from California, Mr. makes you rich in America. I guess in proach to history that I have ever seen. a way it does. For example, this afternoon the DUNCAN HUNTER, who used to be in The other liberal-speak term that we President of the United States went charge of the policy committee and have all been learning is ‘‘a cut.’’ This out to a press conference and said that knows all these things. It is interesting is why we have a $5 trillion deficit there was one group in this institution that the chart I am about to show you today. For the liberals, any increase that was causing all the problems, was actually developed by the Heritage that is less than 40 percent is a cut, be- these infamous 73 freshman in the Foundation which, while it is conserv- cause Medicare payments per senior House of Representatives. I know my ative, is certainly not Republican and citizen are going under the Republican colleagues here take great umbrage at is an independent think tank as op- budget from $4,800 to in excess of $6,700 that, because indeed they are part of posed to some of the charts we are see- per senior. the new majority. ing by the Democrats. Mr. KINGSTON. If I could reclaim It is not only 73 percent of the fresh- This $500 per child tax credit, which my time, I think I could enhance the man class, nor the 236 or maybe 237 we have heard time and time again, ‘‘a gentleman’s words. This is what is hap- Members now of our new majority, but tax credit for the rich,’’ and I do not pening with Medicare under the Repub- if the President would check the know when the Democrat party crossed lican plan. It goes from $4,816 in the RECORD he would find, Mr. Speaker, the line, but it is obvious if you are year 1995 to $7,101 in the year 2002. Only that yesterday when his budget was rich in the Democrat party, it is worse in Washington, DC would that be called brought to this floor no one, no Repub- than being a criminal, and it is cer- a cut. I would suggest it is really a lican, no Democrat, not even the inde- tainly a lot worse than being an illegal mathematics problem. pendent in this Congress cast a vote in alien, given the benefits they want to Mr. HUNTER. The gentleman is abso- favor of that budget. give to illegal aliens in California. In lutely right. But we have to accept this Mr. KINGSTON. Let me claim the San Diego, goodness gracious, you liberal dictionary because all of our time now, Mr. Speaker, because I want cross the border and you are a lot more Democrat friends are using it across to make sure I understand what the welcome than somebody is who is rich. H 15314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 20, 1995 Good gosh, a rich person might be an people have common sense, and if the ate the wealth. Working people create employer. American people know that the bulk of the wealth by the fruit of their own la- Here are 89 percent of the people in the tax cuts in the Republican plan are bors. As our colleague from Georgia America who will benefit from the $500 giving anybody who has children $500, points out, yes, Americans will spend per child tax credit, and almost 90 per- count them, $500 per child tax credit, that money, but it is also true, Mr. cent have a family income of $75,000 or then everybody has enough common Speaker, that those Americans will less. These are the rich people. So I sense to realize that that is mostly save that money and invest that guess what the extreme left is telling going to be absorbed by working peo- money in their children’s future. us is that if you make $75,000 or less, as ple. I thought my colleague from Georgia the gentleman from California [Mr. Rich people do not have 50, 100, 200 who stands in the well here in this spe- HUNTER] said, if you got a job, they do children. They do not have more chil- cial hour said it quite well during the not like you. You are one of those big, dren than people in middle income course of the debate. This is all about bad, evil rich. class or lower income class. They know children, and how dangerous and how I am glad to yield to the gentleman that everybody has children. They also immoral for us to saddle unborn gen- from Georgia [Mr. COLLINS]. know that working people, the working erations with a debt that my young son Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- guy who is paying $1,500 a year in tax faces. John Michael Hayworth, now 2 er, I appreciate the gentleman yield- liability who has three children at $500 years old, over $185,000, almost $187,000 ing. apiece will see his tax liability totally in interest on the debt the will have to A lot has been said about the agree- erased, and the guy who has $50,000 a pay if we do not make a change for the ment in the bill that the President year in tax liability and has three chil- better. signed some 30 days ago dealing with dren at $500 apiece will only have it re- Mr. KINGSTON. Gentlemen, we are the balanced budget and the agreement duced about 1 percent, down to $48,500. that we would reach one by the end of about out of time. Let us all wrap up That is why the Democrats never use quickly. this legislative session. You asked the the word ‘‘children.’’ They think they gentleman from New Jersey a while Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Our final want to let the American people rely word for my colleague from Georgia. ago a very good question about tax pol- on the notion that there is some ob- icy: Did he think tax policy change You made a very important statement scure formula that we put together a while ago when you compared the tax would actually help to create jobs, as that says only the Forbes family gets evidenced by the $500 per child tax policy of 1950 to today and how much this tax cut, and that is not true. Any- more it takes out of a family income. credit? body with children. I want to refer to the agreement, too, There has been a lot said in this Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Will the that the President also agreed with. Chamber about the erosion of family gentleman yield? Let us look at how That is, the last line in the first para- income. The President himself has that $500 actually helps that working graph says ‘‘Further, the balanced talked about the erosion of family in- family and then simultaneously stimu- budget shall adopt tax policies to help come. One of the reasons for erosion is lates the economy. What will they do working families and to stimulate fu- taxation. Another is excessive regula- with the $500? They will spend it. They ture economic growth.’’ Even the tions that go into the cost of consumer will spend it on their family. That is President himself believes that if you goods and services. That has accounted how it helps that family, and once they help working families, and working for the erosion of family income in this spend it, they spend it normally on families are the ones that pay the bills country. consumer goods or some type of serv- in the this country, they are the ones ice. Mr. HUNTER. Let us balance this that work, earn a paycheck, and money That helps stimulate the economy. It budget. that is what we are here for. comes out of that paycheck and comes is a very positive move for this country We are not going to leave this Hill into the government, he agrees that if to adopt tax policy, as the President until the budget is balanced, and I you help those people, you will help has agreed, that will help working fam- thank the gentleman for his great lead- and stimulate economic growth, also ilies and stimulate economic growth. ership in this area. through tax policy that helps benefit Mr. KINGSTON. Well, the thing that Mr. HAYWORTH. I would concur in those who provide those jobs for those I think is also important to remember that. I thank our friend from Georgia working people. So the President him- is that the average middle-income fam- for organizing this special order, and I self has said, ‘‘Let us change and adopt ily in the 1950’s paid 2-percent Federal would simply say again to the Presi- tax policy that helps working America income tax. Today that same average dent of the United States, you can try and also stimulates the economy.’’ middle-income family pays 24-percent to attack us, but ultimately, the Presi- Mr. KINSTON. Mr. Speaker, I would Federal income tax, and that does not dent should work with us, because the ask the gentleman, was that candidate even take into account all of your future of this Nation, nothing less than Clinton or President Clinton? State and local taxes that have gone up the future of this Nation, the future of Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- our children and the future of all er, that is in the law the President year after year, and as a result, we have less time as a family to sit down Americans is at stake. With that, I signed some 30 days ago. He himself yield back to the gentleman. promotes the fact that we need to and import information to the next generation: help educate kids, help Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I change and adopt tax codes that will thank the gentleman from Arizona stimulate the economy, and that goes teach them manners, and help teach [Mr. HAYWORTH], the gentleman from back to the capital gains, the repeal of them right from wrong. You have to Georgia [Mr. COLLINS] and the gen- the depreciation schedule, the alter- have two-income families just to pay the Government. It has become a lower tleman from California [Mr. HUNTER] native minimum tax, the $500 per child for being with me tonight. tax credit. All of those things will help quality of life. Balanced budget, what does it mean stimulate the economy, you do have I yield to the gentleman from Ari- to you? Lower interest rates. Small growth, economic growth, as he agreed zona. businesses can expand, create more to. Mr. HAYWORTH. I thank my col- league from Georgia, and I think he ab- jobs. It means lower home mortgages, b 2355 solutely again addresses this situation lower car payments, lower student loan Mr. HUNTER. If the gentleman will in the most accurate manner possible. rates. It means a better quality of life, yield, one thing we have noticed with Because again, when we are talking and more importantly than anything, the liberals with their new dictionary about our children, there is nothing ig- it means an honest American Govern- that says that if you are rich, that noble or selfish about letting hard- ment, one that can look forward to means anybody who has children is working Americans hang on to more of even greater heights. rich. They have avoided in all of their the money that they earn, because as Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. To sum it descriptions of the budget, of the Re- our colleague from California points up, the only person standing between publican budget, the term children, be- out, this money is not the Govern- the balanced budget and the people of cause they know that the American ment’s; the Government does not cre- this country is the President of the December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 15315 United States, because he vetoed the ing 3 trillion new dollars over the next ‘‘nothing, but if I do not want to do balanced budget that the leader from 7 years. The President wants to in- something, any excuse is a good one.’’ the other body and the Speaker of this crease spending $4 trillion over the What we are seeing on issue after House were instrumental in passing next 7 years. issue is: yes, I want to balance the and sent to his desk. He vetoed it. He Mr. HAYWORTH. The $4 trillion in budget, but not here, not now, not this stands between the people and the bal- additional spending is what this Presi- one, not that program. anced budget, and I thank the gen- dent would like to do, and that is the I yield back to the gentleman from tleman for yielding. reason he is against a balanced budget? Arizona. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. KINGSTON. The gentleman Mr. HAYWORTH. I think the gen- back the balance of my time. talked earlier about the 73 new fresh- tleman, and I thank the Speaker. men, and I assume not 1 of you ran on f a platform of increasing spending 3 f THE PEOPLE’S WORK trillion new dollars. The point being is RECESS I really and truly believe the American Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I ask people want a balanced budget. I be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- unanimous consent to address the lieve the time has come for it, and I ant to clause 12 of rule I, the Chair de- House for 1 minute. also believe, to paraphrase Dwight W. clares the House in recess subject to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Eisenhower, that once the American the call of the Chair. objection to the request of the gen- people make up their mind to do some- f tleman from Arizona? thing, there is not much you can do to There was no objection without ob- stop it. b 0010 jection. So I believe, thank the Lord, that AFTER RECESS Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I this is beyond the President, this is be- would just simply like to point out yond Congress, this is beyond the Sen- The recess having expired, the House that this is more evidence that this ate. This is something the American was called to order by the Speaker pro House is about the work of the Amer- people want, and therefore, I think we tempore (Mr. CHRYSLER) at 12 o’clock ican people. It is this House that has are going to get a balanced budget. and 10 minutes a.m. passed appropriations bills that this Mr. HUNTER. Will the gentleman f President has vetoed. He has put Amer- yield? icans out of work. It is his decision; the Mr. HAYWORTH. I am happy to yield REPORT ON RESOLUTION WAIVING mantle of leadership rests uneasily on to our friend from California. POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CON- his shoulders. Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, the gen- FERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4, THE We are here in the Congress of the tleman just hit the nail on the head, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND United States to lend a helping hand to because you mentioned the time. A WORK OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 1995 inject a dose of honesty and reality number of our friends on the other side Mr. GOSS, from the Committee on into these proceedings, and that is why of the aisle call a balanced budget a even now, as our friends in the Com- Rules, submitted a privileged report noble goal, but it is never the right (Rept. No. 104–431) on the resolution (H. mittee on Rules labor, they are doing time to have it. It is always the right so for the highest of purposes: to re- Res. 319) waiving points of order time to increase another program by 50 against the conference report to ac- store the ideal of limited and effective percent, because if you increase it by Government and to achieve the bal- company the bill (H.R. 4) to restore the less than 40 percent, they will call it a American family, reduce illegitimacy, anced budget which we all have said we cut, but it is never quite the right time want to achieve, for our children de- control welfare spending, and reduce to have a balanced budget. welfare dependence, which was referred serve no less. I think you are exactly right. The to the House Calendar and ordered to Mr. KINGSTON. Will the gentleman American people think that this is the be printed. yield? right time. If we leave this Hill with- Mr. HAYWORTH. I would be happy to out having a balanced budget over this f yield to my friend from Georgia. next 5, 10, 15 days, we will have failed Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, what is the American people. REPORT ON RESOLUTION AUTHOR- curious about this whole process is Mr. KINGSTON. On that subject, I IZING SPEAKER TO DECLARE RE- that we are not cutting spending, un- want to mention that I know Mr. CESSES SUBJECT TO THE CALL fortunately. We are not freezing spend- Hayworth knows this story, because I OF THE CHAIR FROM DECEMBER ing, unfortunately. We, over a 7-year have told it before, about the guy that 23, 1995 THROUGH DECEMBER 27, period of time, are increasing spending goes to the farmer and wants to borrow 1995 3 trillion new dollars, and the Presi- his friend’s ax and he goes next door Mr. GOSS, from the Committee on dent wants to increase it 4 trillion new and he says, ‘‘I want to borrow your ax Rules, submitted a privileged report dollars. today; I have to chop some wood.’’ The (Rept. No. 104–432) on the resolution (H. Mr. HAYWORTH. Would the gen- guy says to the farmer, ‘‘I do not want Res. 320) authorizing the Speaker to de- tleman from Georgia please repeat to lend you my ax,’’ and the farmer clare recesses subject to the call of the those numbers? says, ‘‘why not?’’ He says, ‘‘I am mak- Chair from December 23, 1995, through Mr. KINGSTON. We, over a 7-year pe- ing soup today.’’ He says, ‘‘making December 27, 1995, which was referred riod of time, we being the Republican soup? What does that have to do with to the House Calendar and ordered to Party, are suggesting increasing spend- me borrowing your ax?’’ He says, be printed. E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 104 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 141 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1995 No. 205—Part II Senate
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED their talents are not lost entirely to Under this legislation, if an agency BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS the Government, agencies have devel- has a vacancy it cannot fill internally, By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for him- oped their own placement programs for such as through a promotion, it would be required to offer that position to a self, Mr. ROBB, Mr. SARBANES, former employees. The most successful qualified RIF’d employee of that agen- and Ms. MIKULSKI) such program is the Department of De- S. 1486. A bill to direct the Office of fense’s Priority Placement Program, or cy who meets certain criteria relating Personnel Management to establish PPP. Under the program, involuntarily to classification and pay, and who is lo- placement programs for Federal em- separated workers are granted a pref- cated within the same commuting area. If no such employee exists, then ployees affected by reduction in force erence when vacancies are filled. Since that agency shall offer the vacancy to actions, and for other purposes. PPP’s inception in 1965, over 100,000 a comparably-situated, well-qualified THE PUBLIC SERVANT PRIORITY PLACEMENT ACT DOD employees have been placed suc- cessfully elsewhere in the Department. RIF’d employee from another Federal OF 1995 agency. Should no RIF’d employee Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I Unfortunately, the program’s place- ment rate has been reduced in recent meet these criteria, then the agency rise today with Senators ROBB, SAR- may hire a person who is outside of the BANES, and MIKULSKI to introduce the years because fewer job opportunities have been available. Federal Government. Public Servant Priority Placement Mr. President, I introduced a very In coming years, few Federal agen- Act, a bill to assist Federal workers similar bill in the last Congress, and I cies are likely to excape the budget who lose their jobs as a result of am pleased that the concept has begun axe. Some agencies probably will be downsizing. This legislation would re- to attract support. A bipartisan bill quire Government agencies to give pri- eliminated altogether. It is critically was introduced a week and a half ago ority consideration to these employees important, therefore, that Congress in the House, a component of which is when filling vacancies. work to ensure that all displaced work- almost identical to the bill we are in- Mr. President, the Federal Govern- ers get the support they need. troducing today. The Clinton adminis- ment is in the process of significant Mr. President, the Office of Personnel tration also endorses the concept of a downsizing, and that process is likely Management operates two government- mandatory placement preference sys- to intensify substantially in the com- wide placement programs that supple- tem. ing years. Under current law, 272,000 ci- ment the efforts of individual agencies. Mr. President, I urge my colleagues vilian positions will be eliminated by Yet OPM’s programs are not sufficient, to support the bill and ask unanimous fiscal year 1999. If an agreement is in part because agencies all too often consent that a copy of the legislation reached to balance the budget, that do not grant any preference to workers be included in the RECORD. number probably will be much larger. displaced from other agencies. Accord- There being no objection, the bill was Mr. President, it is easy for some to ing to a 1992 report by the General Ac- ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as ignore the plight of these workers by counting Office, in fiscal year 1991, follows: talking derisively of so-called faceless OPM’s programs had 4,433 registrants S. 1486 bureaucrats. But all of these workers and made 110 placements. Although Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- are human beings with families, bills OPM has made improvements to its resentatives of the United States of America in to pay, and obligations to meet. For programs since 1992, there clearly re- Congress assembled, most, getting laid off is a painful and mains a need for a coordinated, manda- SECTION 1. PLACEMENT PROGRAMS FOR FED- ERAL EMPLOYEES AFFECTED BY RE- traumatic event. And for many, the fi- tory, Governmentwide placement pro- DUCTION IN FORCE ACTIONS. nancial implications are severe. gram. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Most dislocated employees are hard- The Public Servant Priority Place- the ‘‘Public Servant Priority Placement Act working, talented, skilled, and dedi- ment Act would direct OPM to estab- of 1995’’. cated individuals who have contributed lish such a program for RIF’d employ- (b) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter I of chapter ees. It also would require agencies to 33 of title 5, United States Code, is amended much to our Nation. They did not lose by adding at the end thereof the following their jobs because they were lazy, or institute their own intra-agency place- new section: because they did poor work. They were ment programs for these workers. Un- ‘‘§ 3329b. Placement programs for Federal em- simply innocent victims of forces larg- like the current placement programs, ployees affected by reduction in force ac- er than themselves. except for DOD’s, agencies would be re- tions Mr. President, in an effort to assist quired to offer positions to dislocated ‘‘(a) For purposes of this section the term these employees, and to ensure that workers if they are qualified. ‘‘agency’’ means an ‘‘Executive agency’’ as
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
S 19001 S 19002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 defined under section 105, except such term ‘‘§ 3329a. Government-wide list of vacant posi- serve as Medicare providers for people shall not include the General Accounting Of- tions’’. who are eligible for both Medicare and fice. (2) The table of sections for chapter 33 of for care in the military treatment sys- ‘‘(b) No later than 180 days after the date of title 5, United States Code, is amended by tem. the enactment of this section, the Director striking out the item relating to the second For this reason, today I am joined by of the Office of Personnel Management shall section 3329 (relating to Government-wide Senators INOUYE, MCCAIN, HUTCHISON, establish a Government-wide program and list of vacant positions) and inserting in lieu each agency shall establish an agency pro- thereof the following: and INHOFE in introducing a bill to es- tablish a 2-year demonstration project gram to facilitate employment placement ‘‘3329a. Government-wide list of vacant posi- for Federal employees who— tions. that will allow Medicare to reimburse ‘‘(1) are scheduled to be separated from ‘‘3329b. Placement programs for Federal em- the Defense Department for health care service under a reduction in force under— ployees affected by reduction in services provided to Medicare-eligible ‘‘(A) regulations prescribed under section force actions.’’. beneficiaries who are also eligible to 3502; or receive care in military treatment fa- ‘‘(B) procedures established under section By Mr. MCCAIN (for Mr. GRAMM 3595; or cilities. Called subvention. Medicare (for himself, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. ‘‘(2) are separated from service under such reimbursement to military treatment a reduction in force. MCCAIN, Mrs. HUTCHISON, and facilities has long been a priority of ‘‘(c) Each agency placement program es- Mr. INHOFE)): military retirees, and I believe passing tablished under subsection (b) shall provide a S. 1487. A bill to establish a dem- this bill and getting this project under system to require the offer of a vacant posi- onstration project to provide that the way should be a top priority for the tion in an agency to an employee of such Department of Defense may receive Congress. agency affected by a reduction in force ac- Medicare reimbursement for health I am aware that some of my col- tion, if— care services provided to certain Medi- leagues have also wrestled with this ‘‘(1) the position cannot be filled within care-eligible covered military bene- problem and have tried many different the agency; ficiaries; to the Committee on Finance. ‘‘(2) the employee to whom the offer is ways to establish a subvention pro- made is qualified for the offered position; THE UNIFORMED SERVICES MEDICARE gram. As I introduce this bill, the Sen- ‘‘(3)(A) the classification of the offered po- SUBVENTION DEMONSTRATION ACT OF 1995 ate Armed Services Committee is sition is equal to or no more than one grade ∑ Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, when we working with the Pentagon and the below the classification of the employee’s ask men and women to serve in our Na- Health Care Financing Administration present or last held position; or tion’s Armed Forces, we make them [HCFA] to outline a demonstration ‘‘(B)(i) the basic rate of pay of the offered certain promises. One of the most im- project. In the House of Representa- position is equal to the basic rate of pay of portant is the promise that, upon the tives, Congressman JOEL HEFLEY has the employee’s present or last held position; retirement of those who serve 20 years or introduced a bill to begin a subvention ‘‘(ii) sections 5362 and 5363 apply to the or more, a graceful nation will make effort. While my subvention project is basic rate of pay of the employee in the of- health care available to them for the different than these, I believe it com- fered position; and rest of their lives. Unfortunately, for plements their efforts. ‘‘(4) the geographic location of the offered many 65-and-over military retirees, This program will not increase the position is within the commuting area of— promises are being broken. cost to the taxpayer because it will en- ‘‘(A) the residence of the employee; or When the military’s Civilian Health sure that DOD cannot shift costs to ‘‘(B) the location of the employee’s present and Medical Program of the U.S. HCFA, and that the total Medicare or last held position. [CHAMPUS] was established in 1966, ‘‘(d) The Government-wide placement pro- cost to HCFA will not increase. In fact, gram established under subsection (b) shall— just 1 year after Medicare, 65-and-over I believe subvention could actually ‘‘(1) coordinate with programs established military retires were excluded from save money. The Retired Officers Asso- by agencies for the placement of agency em- CHAMPUS because it was felt they ciation, in their letter to me of Decem- ployees affected by a reduction in force ac- could receive care on a space-available ber 15, 1995, reports that: tion within such agency; and basis from local military hospitals and Using 1995 as a baseline, the eligible Medi- ‘‘(2) provide a system to require the offer of they would not require health care care population will grow by 1.6 million a vacant position in an agency to an em- services from the private medical com- beneficiaries by 2000. This will increase ployee of another agency affected by a reduc- munity. For many years, there were Medicare’s cost by $7.7 billion if new bene- tion in force action, if— ficiaries rely on Medicare as their sole ‘‘(A) the vacant position cannot be filled few problems and plenty of available space, but as military bases and their source of care. But, with subvention and through the placement program or otherwise DOD’s 7 percent discount to the Health Care be filled from within the agency in which the hospitals have closed, more and more Financing Administration (HCFA), the ag- position is located; retirees are finding it increasingly dif- gregate cost increase can be reduced by $361 ‘‘(B) the employee to whom the offer is ficult to receive the care they have million over that same time frame. Because made is well qualified for the offered posi- been promised. health care will be managed, further savings tion; For many, being denied access to the could be realized which could be passed on by ‘‘(C)(i) the classification of the offered po- local base hospital means they are DOD to Medicare through reduced discounts. sition is equal to the classification of the completely reliant on Medicare. While This legislation is strongly supported employee’s present or last held position; or ‘‘(ii) the basic rate of pay of the offered po- Medicare is a valuable program that by many military and veterans organi- sition is equal to the basic rate of pay of the serves millions of Americans well, it zations. I would ask unanimous con- employee’s present or last held position; and was not designed as compensation for sent to include in the RECORD 18 state- ‘‘(D) the geographic location of the offered service to our country. Our military re- ments of support from the following position is within the commuting area of— tirees, how-ever, have all served our groups: The Retired Officers Associa- ‘‘(i) the residence of the employee; or Nation for a minimum of 20 years, and tion, National Association for Uni- ‘‘(ii) the location of the employee’s present many for 30 years or more. With all the formed Services, Air Force Associa- or last held position. sacrifices they have made during their tion, National Military Families Asso- ‘‘(e)(1) The agency placement program es- tablished under this section shall not affect careers, I believe military retirees ciation, Veterans of Foreign Wars of any priority placement program of the De- clearly have earned the benefits that the United States, The American Le- partment of Defense that is in operation on they were promised. gion, The Retired Enlisted Association, the date of the enactment of this section. While many health care options have Reserve Officers Association of the ‘‘(2) The interagency placement program been discussed that would appro- United States, Military Service Coali- established under this section shall not af- priately reward the contributions of tion of Austin (Texas), Association of fect the priority of placement of any em- our military retirees, at a minimum the United States Army, Air Force Ser- ployee under the agency placement program they ought to be able to use their Med- geants Association, Non Commissioned of such employee’s employing agency.’’. icare reimbursement eligibility wher- Officers Association of the United (c) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- MENTS.—(1) The section heading for the sec- ever they choose, including the mili- States of America, United States Army ond section 3329 (relating to Government- tary health system. Our military treat- Warrant Officers Association, Chief wide list of vacant positions) is amended to ment facilities also ought to be able to Warrant and Warrant Officers Associa- read as follows: accept Medicare reimbursement and tion United States Coast Guard, Naval December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19003 Reserve Association, Naval Enlisted Military retirees and their families are the VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS Reserve Association, Association of only federal employees who lose their em- OF THE UNITED STATES, Military Surgeons of the United ployer provided health care upon reaching Washington, DC, December 14, 1995. States, and Jewish War Veterans of the age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a Hon. PHIL GRAMM, U.S. Senate, United States of America. space available basis, deep cutbacks in health care personnel and funding as well as Washington, DC. There being no objection, the mate- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: Thank you for tak- rials were ordered to be printed in the hospital closures resulting from Base Re- alignment and Closure Commission actions ing the initiative to introduce legislation RECORD, as follows: have shoved hundreds of thousands of retir- that is so important to the Veterans of For- ALEXANDRIA, VA, ees out of military medicine. eign Wars of the United States (VFW). Spe- December 15, 1995. cifically, we have repeatedly sought legisla- Hon. PHIL GRAMM, Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, tion that would allow the Secretary of U.S. Senate, Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They Health and Human Services to reimburse the Washington, DC. were recruited and reenlisted by promises of Military Health Service System for care pro- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: The Retired Offi- lifetime medical care. Now when they need it vided to Medicare-eligible military retirees cers Association (TROA) with its 400,000 most they are being disenfranchised. Fur- and their spouses in the Military Health members (including 68,000 auxiliary mem- ther, DoD’s TRICARE program excludes Service System. This inter-departmental re- bers), strongly endorses your bill to author- them despite the fact that these retirees imbursement proposal is referred to as ‘‘Med- ize the Department of Defense (DoD) to test earned military sponsored health care icare subvention’’. It would improve present an innovative concept called Medicare sub- through years of arduous service and paid for government health care services to tax- vention, which would allow Medicare to re- Medicare through payroll deductions. payers in a more cost-effective and service- imburse DoD for care provided to Medicare- efficient manner than is presently the case. eligible uniformed services beneficiaries Your Medicare reimbursement legislation Today, more than half the 2.1 million through the Military Health Services Sys- will allow these patriots and their families members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of tem. Uniformed services retirees and their to use their Medicare benefits in military the United States (VFW) who are eligible to families are entitled to medical treatment in treatment facilities which will save scarce receive Medicare are military retirees who military treatment facilities (MTFs) on a Medicare trust funds while providing the fought in World War II, Korea, and/or Viet- ‘‘space available’’ basis. However, DoD can’t necessary funds needed for their care. Your nam. Hence, they now must receive medical afford to enroll authorized Medicare-eligible Medicare reimbursement bill is win-win leg- treatment in the civilian community or pri- retirees in its new Tricare program and will islation for everyone—Medicare, taxpayers, vate sector at a higher cost than could be not make available ‘‘space available’’ care beneficiaries and military medicine. provided in a military treatment facility. To for older retirees unless Congress changes I very much appreciate your leadership on further compound this problem most VFW the law to allow reimbursement from Medi- military retirees prefer to continue to re- this issue and you have our full support. We care. ceive their medical care in military facilities are confident that this demonstration will Using 1995 as a baseline, the eligible Medi- whenever and wherever possible. To make prove the need for a permanent reimburse- care population will grow by 1.6 million this point, at our last national convention beneficiaries by 2000. This will increase ment program. held in August 1995 our voting delegates Medicare’s cost by $7.7 billion if new bene- Sincerely, unanimously passed VFW Resolution No. 643 ficiaries rely on Medicare as their sole J.C. PENNINGTON, titled ‘‘Health Care for Medicare Eligible source of care. But, with subvention and Major General, USA (retired), Military Retirees.’’ A copy is attached to DoD’s 7 percent discount to the Health Care President. this letter. Our position is to have Congress Financing Administration (HCFA), the ag- pass legislation that allows Medicare eligible gregate cost increase can be reduced by $361 AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, retirees and their dependents to continue to million over that same time frame. Because Arlington, VA, December 15, 1995. receive the high quality of military medical health care will be managed, further savings Hon. PHIL GRAMM, service they are familiar with and are accus- could be realized which could be passed on by U.S. Senate, tomed to receiving. DoD to Medicare through reduced discounts. Washington, DC. Thank you for your past and present ef- In addition to saving money for Medicare, forts on behalf of all military retired veter- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: The members of the taxpayers and beneficiaries, subvention will: ans. They have earned military sponsored Promote military medical readiness, Air Force Association strongly support your health care through past years of arduous Give older retirees the freedom to choose legislative initiative to develop a demonstra- service. Today, they are the only federal em- where they would like to get their health tion project to authorize Medicare sub- ployees who lose their employer provided care services, i.e., either from civilian or vention. Medicare Subvention would provide health care upon reaching age 65. Your pro- military sources, military retirees with seamless health care posed legislation will correct this inequity. Prevent retirees from being ‘‘shoved out’’ coverage regardless of age. of Tricare Prime (DoD’s HMO-like program) Sincerely, when they turn age 65, Most military members believe they were PAUL A. SPERA, Enable those 65 and older to choose the promised, through tradition and practice, Commander in Chief. military managed care approach for their ‘‘health care for life,’’ when deciding to Attachment: as stated. comprehensive, cost-effective health care, choose a career in the military. In the past, RESOLUTION NO. 643 and Medicare eligible retirees have received HEALTH CARE FOR MEDICARE ELIGIBLE Allow Congress and the government to health care in the military treatment facili- MILITARY RETIREES keep the life-time health care promises made ties (MTFs) on a ‘‘space available’’ basis. Whereas, military retirees find it difficult to those who served. However, cutbacks in health care funding to be treated at military facilities once they In closing, we applaud your efforts to in- and medical personnel, and base hospital clo- troduce legislation that will test the viabil- become eligible for Medicare since the mili- sures resulting from base realignment and tary is not allowed to take Medicare money ity of subvention and its potential cost sav- closure, is likely to force many Medicare eli- ings to the government. The potential bene- and hospital Commanders are reluctant to gible retirees out of the military medical fits of subvention are detailed in the en- provide care for which they receive no reim- system. closed fact sheet. bursement; and Sincerely, Military retirees are the only group of re- Whereas, there is presently a bill before MICHAEL A. NELSON, tired government employees who lose their the House of Representatives, H.R. 861, by President. health benefit upon reaching age 65. At age Congressmen Randy (Duke) Cunningham and 65, retirees must enroll in Medicare or con- Duncan L. Hunter that would allow military NATIONAL ASSOCIATION tinue to take the risk of receiving health retirees and veterans to use their Medicare FOR UNIFORMED SERVICES care on a space available basis in the MTFs benefits at military or VA hospitals; and Springfield, VA, December 14, 1995. or if eligible Veterans Administration facili- Whereas, this would reduce the govern- Hon. PHIL GRAMM, ties. Under current law, Medicare eligible re- ment’s cost of providing health care since the government hospitals can treat these pa- U.S. Senate, tirees cannot enroll in TRICARE unless tient less expensively than paying Medicare Washington, DC. changes are made to the Social Security Act DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I am writing to ex- to civilian medical facilities; now, therefore, allowing Medicare subvention. press strong support for your legislation di- be it recting the conduct of a demonstration You have the Air Force Association’s full Resolved, by the Veterans of Foreign Wars project to authorize Medicare reimburse- support for the Medicare subvention dem- of the United States, that we urge Congress ment to the Department of Defense and its onstration program. to support passage of legislation that would medical facilities for care provided in mili- Sincerely, allow military retirees and veterans to use tary treatment facilities (MTFs) and in DoD R.E. SMITH, their Medicare entitlements in military or managed care networks. President. VA hospitals. S 19004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995
THE AMERICAN LEGION, disenfranchised from the Military Health ical system, but it goes a long way to help Washington, DC, December 19, 1995. Care System despite decades of promises of one segment of the beneficiary population. It Sen. PHIL GRAMM, health care for life from the military. is an idea whose time has come. Thank you Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate, If TREA can be of assistance to you on this again for your willingness to sponsor a bill Washington, DC. most important issue, please don’t hesitate that will make Medicare Subvention a re- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: The American Le- to contact us. ality. gion commends you for introducing and fully Sincerely, Sincerely, supports the ‘‘Medicare Subvention Dem- JOHN M. ADAMS, JACK N. MERRITT, onstration Project Act.’’ This bill, which MCPO, USN (Ret.), Director for Government General, USA Retired. proposes a two-year demonstration program Affairs. at selected sites, serves to implement an AIR FORCE adopted American Legion mandate, namely MILITARY SERVICE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION, medicare subvention or reimbursement of COALITION OF AUSTIN, Temple Hills, MD, December 15, 1995. Department of Defense (DOD) medical facili- Austin, TX, December 15, 1995. Hon. PHIL GRAMM, ties by the Department of Health and Human Sen. PHIL GRAMM, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Services (DHHS) for treatment of enrolled Washington, DC. DEAR SENATOR GRAMM, On behalf of the medicare-eligible military retirees and their DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: Our Military Serv- 160,000 members of the Air force Sergeants dependents. ice Coalition in Austin, Texas is extremely Association, thank you for your introduction Recognizably, this demonstration project pleased with your authorship of such a bal- of Medicare subvention legislation before the legislation represents a significant first step anced and unique approach to the Military United States Senate. Our shared concern for in the direction of full-fledged medicare sub- Medicare Subvention debate. It is our opin- health care needs of our oldest military re- vention which has been long supported by ion that your proposed ‘‘Medicare Sub- tirees will, hopefully, result in legislative ac- The American Legion. The goal of this effort vention Demonstration Project Act’’ pro- tion on your bill during this Congress, with would improve access to needed health care vides for both fiscal soundness and an oper- the eventual goal of attaining subvention for services for this dual-eligible population ationally feasible method to test the theory all over-64 military retirees. while assuring the demonstration does not and concept of Military Medicare Sub- As you are aware, current law requires increase the total federal cost of both pro- vention. that over-65, Medicare-eligible military re- tirees be thrown out of formal participation grams. It is our aspiration that this legisla- Clearly, this legislation is a pragmatic al- in the Military Health Services System tion become law, and that it eventually be ternative to other proposals that were sim- (MHSS) simply because they have attained implemented at all military medical facili- ply too progressive, too soon. We believe that age and status. For many, this effec- ties throughout the country. that although, theoretically attractive, they tively ends their care possibilities within the Most importantly, this bill would ease the were simply too far reaching and were intro- MHSS, because ‘‘space-available’’ care in tremendous frustration expressed by medi- duced without any clear method to gain a Military Treatment Facilities is increas- care-eligible military retirees and their de- better understanding of any potential ad- ingly difficult to obtain. pendents that their government has reneged verse impact on both providers and cus- Most other federal employees keep their in its promises of free, lifetime, heath care tomers. federal health insurance upon reaching age in exchange for decades of service to this na- Again, you and your staff are to be com- 65. Therefore, the current practice toward tion in time of war and peace. Military retir- mended on the introduction of such a well over-65 military retirees is discriminatory ees and their dependents are the only group coordinated and reasoned approach to legis- and must end. The full-scale enactment of of Federal retirees who essentially lose their lative change which we believe will begin to Medicare subvention could result in the abil- health care coverage when they become 65 improve our existing military health care ity of many of our older military retirees to and are no longer eligible for CHAMPUS/ delivery systems. We appreciate the oppor- participate in DOD’s new health care pro- TRICARE coverage. Aside from the Depart- tunity you gave us to work closely with your gram, TRICARE. Your efforts to begin the ment of Defense itself providing health care staff during the development of this fine ef- process are needed and appreciated. As al- for this group—which it states it can no fort. ways, feel free to ask for AFSA’s support of longer afford—medicare subjection appears May God continue to bless your efforts to this or any other legislation of mutual con- to provide the only viable solution to resolve make health care more accessible to our Na- cern. the health care crisis experienced by this tion’s Veterans. Sincerely, Respectfully, growing group of deserving veterans who JAMES D. STATION, have served their country for so long. En- BRUCE CONOVER, President. Executive Director. closed is a copy of American Legion Resolu- SSOCIATION OF THE tion No. 107, ‘‘Department of Defense Health A NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSO- NITED TATES RMY Care Reform for Military Beneficiaries,’’ U S A , CIATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF which supports the proposed legislation. Arlington, VA, December 14, 1995. AMERICA, Military retirees have seen the promise of Hon. PHIL GRAMM, Alexandria, VA, December 15, 1995. lifetime health care, and other promises, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. PHIL GRAMM, DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: Medicare Sub- being broken which is not only a demoraliz- U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. ing factor, but one which can and will im- vention, the reimbursement of the Depart- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: The Non Commis- pact on recruiting and retaining a quality ment of Defense for the medical care it pro- sioned Officers Association of the USA force if it is left unresolved. The American vides to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, has (NCOA) wishes to express strong support for Legion salutes your initiative. long been a goal of the Association of the your efforts to introduce legislation direct- Sincerely, United States Army. Despite the bureau- ing that a demonstration project be con- G. MICHAEL SCHLEE, cratic resistance that often meets new ideas, ducted to authorize Medicare reimbursement Director National Security-Foreign Relations Subvention continues to pass every test of to the Department of Defense (DoD) for med- Division. fairness and logic to which it is subjected. In ical care provided in Military Treatment Fa- an age of constrained budgets and fiscal re- cilities (MTFs) and in the department’s man- THE RETIRED ENLISTED ASSOCIATION, straint, Medicare Subvention is an initiative aged care networks. It is very important Alexandria, VA, December 19, 1995. that makes too much sense to ignore and ac- that your bill include TRICARE and the Uni- Hon. PHIL GRAMM, tually holds the promise of saving money. formed Services Treatment Facilities in the U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. On behalf of the more than 100,000 members demonstration. DEAR SENATOR GRAMM, On behalf of The of the Association of the United States NCOA and it’s members are very concerned Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), and its Army, thank you for your courage in con- that the efforts of DoD to improve health Auxiliary, I want to express our collective fronting the bureaucratic resistance by in- care availability and accessibility through appreciation to you for introducing legisla- troducing legislation to permit a demonstra- implementation of the TRICARE program tion that will require a demonstration tion of Medicare Subvention. While I believe for all military beneficiaries are being ham- project authorizing Medicare reimbursement a test is unnecessary to show that value of pered simply because Medicare will not reim- to the Department of Defense when treating Subvention, the demonstration will remove burse DoD for the medical treatment pro- Medicare eligible military retirees seeking any doubt that this is an initiative in which vided to the age-65 military retiree. NCOA care from the Military Health Services Sys- there are no losers. The Medicare-eligible cannot just standby and watch a group of tem (MHSS) within the demonstration area. military beneficiary wins. The military military retirees who earned a free lifetime Medicare eligible military retirees began health care system wins. The Health Care Fi- medical care benefit be disenfranchised from their service during World War II or the Ko- nancing Administration wins and, in the that benefit. rean War and continued their service final analysis, the American people win be- In this regard, NCOA applauds your efforts through the Cold War and the many conflicts cause a quality product will be delivered to and supports your legislation. during that era, including the Vietnam War. a deserving segment of our population at a Sincerely, Without your Medicare reimbursement leg- lower cost and in a more practical manner. MICHAEL F. OUELLETTE, islation, too many of these dedicated Amer- Medicare Subvention does not answer all Sgt Maj, US Army, (Ret), Director of ican patriots would find themselves the concerns we have with the military med- Legislative Affairs. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19005
NATIONAL MILITARY and paid for Medicare through payroll deduc- ployer provided health care upon reaching FAMILY ASSOCIATION, tions. age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a Alexandria, VA, December 14, 1995. Your Medicare reimbursement legislation space available basis, deep cutbacks in Hon. PHIL GRAMM, will allow these patriots and their families health care personnel and funding as well as U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. to use their Medicare benefits in military hospital closures resulting from Base Re- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: The National Mili- treatment facilities which will save scarce alignment and Closure Commission actions tary Family Association supports your legis- Medicare trust funds while providing the have excluded hundreds of thousands of re- lation providing for a demonstration project necessary funds needed for their care. Your tirees from military medicine. to authorize Medicare reimbursement to the Medicare reimbursement bill is win-win leg- Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, Department of Defense and its medical fa- islation for everyone—Medicare, taxpayers, Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They cilities for care provided in military treat- beneficiaries and military medicine. were recruited and reenlisted by promises of You have our association’s full support for ment facilities (MTFs) and in DoD managed lifetime medical care. Now when they need it this important legislation. I am sure that care networks. The bill includes TRICARE most they are being disenfranchised. Fur- this demonstration will prove the need for a and the Uniformed Services Treatment Fa- ther, DOD’s TRICARE program excludes permanent reimbursement program. cilities in the demonstration. them despite the fact that these retirees Sincerely, Military retirees and their families are the earned military sponsored health care ROGER E. SANDLER, only federal employees who lose their em- through years of arduous service and paid for Major General, AUS (Ret.) ployer provided health care upon reaching Medicare through payroll deductions. age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a Executive Director. Your Medicare reimbursement legislation space available basis, deep cutbacks in will allow these patriots and their families health care personnel and funding as well as JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE to use their Medicare benefits in military hospital closures resulting from Base Re- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, treatment facilities which will save scarce alignment and Closure Commission actions December 14, 1995. medicare benefits in military treatment fa- have shoved hundreds of thousands of retir- Hon. PHIL GRAMM, cilities while providing the necessary funds ees out of military medicine. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I am writing to ex- needed for their care. Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They press strong support for your legislation di- Your leadership in initiating this impor- were recruited and reenlisted by promises of recting the conduct of a demonstration tant legislation is appreciated. We are con- lifetime medical care. Now when they need it project to authorize Medicare reimburse- fident that this demonstration will prove the most they are being disenfranchised. DoD’s ment to the Department of Defense and its need for a permanent reimbursement pro- TRICARE program excludes them despite medical facilities for care provided in mili- gram. the fact that these retirees earned military tary treatment facilities (MTFs) and in DOD Sincerely, sponsored health care through years of ardu- managed care networks. The bill includes DON HESS, ous service and paid for Medicare through TRICARE and the Uniformed Services Treat- CW4, USA, payroll deductions. ment Facilities in the demonstration. Executive Vice President. NMFA is aware that Medicare reimburse- Military retirees and their families are the ment to DoD will only benefit those living in only federal employees who lose their em- USCG, CHIEF WARRANT AND areas where MTFs exist and/or TRICARE ployer provided health care upon reaching WARRANT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, Prime is available and continues to support age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a Washington, DC, December 15, 1995. offering all non-active duty military bene- space available basis, deep cutbacks in Hon. PHIL GRAMM, ficiaries the option of enrolling in the Fed- health care personnel and funding as well as U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. hospital closures resulting from Base Re- eral Employees Health Benefit Plan. None- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I am writing to ex- alignment and Closure Commission actions theless, Medicare reimbursement to DoD will press strong support for your legislation di- have shoved hundreds of thousands of retir- benefit many who would otherwise lose ac- recting the conduct of a demonstration cess to the military system. ees out of military medicine. Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, project to authorize Medicare reimburse- Sincerely, Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They ment to the Department of Defense and its SYLVIA E.J. KIDD, were recruited and reenlisted by promises of medical facilities for care provided in mili- President. lifetime medical care. Now when they need it tary treatment facilities (MTFs) and in DoD most they are being disenfranchised. Fur- managed care networks. The bill includes, RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION ther, DOD’s TRICARE program excludes Tricare and the Uniformed Services Treat- OF THE UNITED STATES, them despite the fact that these retirees ment Facilities in the demonstration. Washington, DC, December 18, 1995. earned military sponsored health care Military retirees and their families are the Hon. PHIL GRAMM, through years of arduous service and paid for only federal employees who lose their em- U.S. Senate Washington, DC. Medicare through payroll deductions. ployer provided health care upon reaching DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I write to you Your Medicare reimbursement legislation age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a today on behalf of the more than 100,000 will allow these patriots and their families space available basis, deep cutbacks in members of the Reserve Officers Association, to use their Medicare benefits in military health care personnel and funding as well as an organization chartered by Congress to treatment facilities which will save scarce hospital closures resulting from Base Re- ‘‘support a military policy for the United medicare trust funds while providing the alignment and Closure Commission actions States that will provide adequate national necessary funds needed for their care. Your have shoved hundreds of thousands of retir- security. . . .’’ ROA strongly supports your Medicare reimbursement bill is win-win leg- ees out of military medicine. legislation directing the conduct of a dem- islation for everyone—Medicare, taxpayers, Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, onstration project to authorize Medicare re- beneficiaries and military medicine. Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They imbursement to the Department of Defense You have our full support for this legisla- were recruited and reenlisted by promises of and its medical facilities for care provided in tion. I am sure that this demonstration will lifetime medical care. Now when they need it military treatment facilities (MTFs) and in prove the need for a permanent reimburse- most they are being disenfranchised. Fur- DoD managed care networks. The bill in- ment program. ther, DoD’s Tricare program excludes them cludes TRICARE and the Uniformed Services Sincerely, despite the fact that these retirees earned Treatment Facilities in the demonstration. NEIL GOLDMAN, military sponsored health care though years Military retirees and their families are the National Commander. only federal employees who lose their em- of arduous service and paid for Medicare through payroll deductions. ployer provided health care upon reaching U.S. ARMY Your Medicare reimbursement legislation age 65. Although military retirees are enti- WARRANT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, will allow these patriots and their families tled to use MTFs on a space available basis, December 15, 1995. to use their Medicare benefits in military deep cutbacks in health care personnel and Hon. PHIL GRAMM, treatment facilities which will save scarce funding as well as hospital closures resulting U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. from Base Realignment and Closure Commis- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: On behalf of the Medicare trust funds while providing the sion actions will shove hundreds of thou- United States Army Warrant Officers Asso- necessary funds needed for their care. Your sands of them out of military medicine. ciation (USAWOA) I am writing to express Medicare reimbursement bill is win-win leg- Medicare-eligible retirees served in WWII, strong support for your legislation directing islation for everyone—Medicare, taxpayers, Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. When the conduct of a demonstration project to beneficiaries and military medicine. they were recruited and reenlisted they were authorize Medicare reimbursement to the You have our full support for this legisla- promised lifetime medical care. Now when Department of Defense and its medical fa- tion. I am sure that this demonstration will they need it most they are being cilities for care provided in military treat- prove the need for a permanent reimburse- disenfranchised. Further, DoD TRICARE ment facilities (MTFs) and in DOD managed ment program. program excludes them despite the fact that care networks. Sincerely, these retirees earned military sponsored Military retirees and their families are the ROBERT L. LEWIS, health care through years of arduous service only federal employees who lose their em- Executive Director. S 19006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 NAVAL ENLISTED RESERVE ASSOCIATION, benefits in military treatment facilities ment facilities [MTFs] for services pro- Falls Church, VA, December 14, 1995. which will save scarce Medicare trust funds vided based on the methodology it Hon. PHIL GRAMM, while providing the necessary funds needed would use in paying a discounted rate U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. for their care. Your Medicare reimbursement of 93 percent of what Medicare pays a DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I am writing to ex- bill is win-win legislation for everyone— press NERA’s strong support for your legisla- Medicare, taxpayers, beneficiaries and mili- similar civilian provider. tion directing the conduct of a demonstra- tary medicine. Under current law, DOD retirees may tion project to authorize Medicare reim- You have our full support for this legisla- receive care free of charge at a MTF on bursement to the Department of Defense and tion. a space available basis. There are cur- its medical facilities for care provided in Sincerely, rently about 1.2 million uniformed military treatment facilities and in DoD JAMES E. FOREREST managed care networks. The bill includes services beneficiaries age 65 and older. TRICARE and the Uniformed Services Treat- ASSOCIATION OF MILITARY SURGEONS By 1997, this number is expected to ment Facilities in the demonstration. OF THE UNITED STATES, grow to 1.4 million. It is estimated that Military retirees and their families are the Bethesda, MD, December 15, 1995. 97 percent of these retirees are eligible only federal employees who lose their em- Hon. PHIL GRAMM, for Medicare. An estimated 324,000 of ployer provided health care upon reaching U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. these individuals currently use mili- age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I am writing to ex- tary health care facilities on a regular space available basis, deep cutbacks in press strong support for your legislation di- health care personnel and funding as well as recting the conduct of a demonstration basis when space is available, at a cost hospital closures resulting from Base Re- project to authorize Medicare reimburse- of $1.4 billion per year from DOD’s an- alignment and Closure Commission actions ment in the Department of Defense and its nual appropriation. Due to budgetary have shoved hundreds of thousands of retir- medical facilities for care provided in mili- considerations, DOD soon will no ees out of military medicine. tary treatment facilities (MTFs) and in DoD longer have the resources to treat Med- Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, managed care networks. The bill includes icare-eligible beneficiaries unless it is Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They TRICARE and the Uniformed Services Treat- able to obtain Medicare reimburse- were recruited and reenlisted by promises of ment Facilities in the demonstration. ment. lifetime medical care. Now when they need it Military retirees and their families are the most, they are being disenfranchised. Fur- only federal employees who lose their em- For military retirees, the cost of care ther, DoD’s TRICARE program excludes ployer provided care upon reaching age 65. provided through civilian providers in them despite the fact that these retirees Although eligible to use MTFs on a space the Medicare Program is significantly earned military sponsored health care available basis, deep cutbacks in health care higher than if the care is provided at a though years of arduous service and paid for personnel and funding as well as hospital clo- military hospital. One study by DOD Medicare through payroll deductions. sures resulting from Base Realignment and Your Medicare reimbursement legislation Closure Commission actions have shoved found that the cost of care at a mili- will allow these patriots and their families hundreds of thousands of retirees out of mili- tary hospital is 10–24 percent less. Such to use their Medicare benefits in military tary medicine. savings are further supported by a GAO treatment facilities which will save scarce Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, study of six hospitals in which esti- Medicare trust funds while providing the Korea, Vietnam and the long Cold War. They mated savings to the CHAMPUS Pro- necessary funds needed for their care. Your were recruited and reenlisted by promises of gram ranged from $18 to $21 million. Medicare reimbursement bill is win-win leg- lifetime medical care. Now when they need it islation for Medicare, taxpayer, beneficiaries With Medicare reimbursement, DOD most they are being disenfranchised. Fur- will be able to treat more Medicare-eli- and military medicine. ther, DoD’s TRICARE program excludes You have our full support for this legisla- them despite the fact that these retirees gible beneficiaries at lower cost to the tion. I am sure that this demonstration will earned military sponsored health care Government. prove the need for a permanent reimburse- through years of arduous service and paid for There would be substantial benefits ment program. Medicare through payroll deductions. to our military readiness associated Sincerely, Your Medicare reimbursement legislation EDDIE OCA, will allow these patriots and their families with this legislation. Under this National President. to use their Medicare benefits in military demonstraion project, the readiness of treatment facilities which will save scarce the military health care system would NAVAL RESERVE ASSOCIATION, Medicare trust funds while providing the be enhanced in two significant ways. Alexandria, VA, 15 December 1995. necessary funds needed for their care. Your First, military treatment facilities Hon. PHIL GRAMM, Medicare reimbursement bill is win-win leg- would be able to maintain their service U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. islation for everyone—Medicare, taxpayers, capacity despite DOD budgetary re- DEAR SENATOR GRAMM: I am writing to ex- beneficiaries and military medicine. strictions due to the infusion of Medi- press strong support for legislation directing You have our full support for this legisla- the conduct of a demonstration project to tion. I am sure that this demonstration will care funds. Second, DOD physicians authorize Medicare reimbursement to the prove the need for a permanent reimburse- and other military health care person- Department of Defense and its medical fa- ment program. nel will be able to treat the broad cilities for care provided in military treat- Sincerely, range of medicare problems presented ment facilities (MTFs) and in DoD managed MAX B. BRALLIAR, by retired beneficiaries, thereby assist- care networks. The bill include TRICARE LT General, USAF, MC Ret. ing them to maintain and expand their and the Uniformed Services Treatment Fa- Executive Director.∑ knowledge and skills. cilities in the demonstration. ∑Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, today I Military retirees and their families are the am cosponsoring with Senator PHIL Even more important, this legisla- only federal employees who lose their em- tion is important to overall military ployer provided health care upon reaching GRAMM the Uniformed Services Medi- care Subvention Demonstration Act, personnel readiness. Particularly in age 65. Although eligible to use MTFs on a times of conflict, our Armed Forces de- space available basis, deep cutbacks in this bill would allow Medicare reim- health care personnel and funding as well as bursement to the Department of De- pend heavily on the high quality of ca- hospital closures resulting from Base Re- fense for care provided by the military reer mid-level and senior management. alignment and Closure Commission actions system to Medicare-eligible uniformed We must therefore continue to attract have shoved hundreds of thousands of retir- services beneficiaries. such personnel to serve full military ees out of military medicine. careers, often comprising 30 years of Medicare eligible retirees served in WWII, In the case of those Medicare-eligible uniform services beneficiaries who en- service and sacrifice. Offering an at- Korea, Vietnam and the long cold War. They tractive retirement benefits package, were recruited and reenlisted by promises of roll in the Department’s managed lifetime medical care. Now when they need it health care plan, Tricare, this legisla- including military health care during most they are being disenfranchised. Fur- tion would authorize a demonstration retirement, and keeping our Govern- ther, DoD’s TRICARE program excludes project that allows Medicare to pay ment’s promises concerning such bene- them despite the fact that these retirees DOD based on a reduced rate per en- fits, is essential to maintaining these earned military sponsored health care rollee of 93 percent from what Medicare key personnel. through years of arduous service and paid for Medicare through payroll deductions. pays eligible health maintenance orga- I believe that this bill is at least Your Medicare reimbursement legislation nizations. In the case of DOD bene- budget neutral and will save the Gov- will allow these patriots and their families ficiaries who do not enroll in Tricare, ernment money. It will seek a reduced to use their families to use their Medicare Medicare would pay military treat- reimbursement from Medicare only for December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19007 new beneficiaries who otherwise obtain In the early 1980’s, after the Acad- middle of this century, the Hanford care through Medicare within the Ci- emy’s original vacancies had been Reach and other buffer areas within vilian sector. DOD concludes that sub- filled and the Academy was up and run- the Hanford Nuclear Reservation were vention will reduce Government costs. ning, it became FEMA’s policy to fill kept pristine, ironically, by the same Allowing Medicare reimbursements for openings at the NFA through a com- veil of secrecy and security that lead DOD health care has been a long stand- petitive civil service hiring system. to the notorious nuclear and chemical ing proposal. This bill would allow us Today, 91 of the NFA’s 99 employees contamination of the central Hanford to demonstrate the initiative on a lim- are under the general schedule with site. Today, these relatively undis- ited basis to ensure that it provides the only eight employees who were hired in turbed Hanford buffer areas are wild promised benefits to Medicare recipi- the 1970’s and early eighties remaining remnants of a great river and vast ents who are retired uniform service in excepted service status. As a result, shrub-steppe ecosystem that have been beneficiaries, to Department of De- these remaining eight are subject to tamed by dams, farms, and other eco- fense’s health care system and to the significant limitations within the nomically important development. Medicare trust fund. I hope it is a dem- USFA. Although they each average As the last free-flowing stretch of the onstration we can implement to in- over 17 years of Federal service and Columbia between the Canadian border crease success for broader application. were hired solely because of their and Bonneville Dam, the significance Mr. President, this bill is important strong backgrounds and unique quali- of the Hanford Reach has only recently to the military, its retires and the Na- fications in fire education, they are le- become fully appreciated. Mile for tion. The military needs to maintain gally barred from competing for man- mile, it contains some of the most pro- its readiness and its ability to provide agement positions within the Fire Ad- ductive and important fish spawning the best care possible. Retirees who ministration. The remaining eight ex- habitat in the lower 48 States. The have served their careers in our uni- cepted service employees are not even cool, clear waters of the Columbia formed services, and who have also allowed to serve on details to competi- River that sweep through the reach paid into the Medicare trust fund like tive service jobs—even within their have the volume and velocity to other Medicare beneficiaries, deserve own organization—without an official produce ideal conditions for spawning the full range of choice that this legis- waiver from the Office of Personnel and migrating salmon. The reach pro- lation offers. They should be able to Management. duces 80 percent of the Columbia Ba- use their Medicare coverage wherever Mr. President, I am proposing to sin’s fall chinook salmon, as well as they are eligible to receive care, in- remedy this situation. The legislation thriving runs of steelhead trout and cluding a military treatment facility which I am introducing will enable the sturgeon. It is the only truly healthy or the Tricare Program. Director of the Federal Emergency segment of the mainstem of the Colum- This legislation is supported in prin- Management Agency and the Director bia River. cipal by the Department of Defense and of the Office of Personnel Management At a time when the Pacific North- fully by all the uniformed services or- to convert any employees appointed to west is struggling to restore declining ganizations and the major veterans or- the Fire Administration under the Fed- salmon runs—and spending hundreds of ganizations, including the entire mili- eral Fire Protection and Control Act, millions annually on restoration and tary coalition. Additionally, the Sen- to competitive service—without any enhancement efforts—protecting the ate has already taken a positive posi- break in service, diminution of service, Hanford Reach is the most cost-effec- tion on Medicare subvention when it reduction of cumulative years of serv- tive step we can take. That is why the earlier this year passed a sense-of-the- ice, or requirement to serve any addi- Northwest Power Planning Council, Senate resolution in the Defense au- tional probationary period with the Trout Unlimited, conservation groups, thorization bill. I am proud to be part Administration. Those converted under tribes, and many other regional inter- of an effort with Senator PHIL GRAMM this legislation shall also remain in the ests involved in the salmon con- to continue to move forward on this Civil Service Retirement System and troversy support designation of the important legislation for military serv- retain their seniority. This practice is reach under the National Wild and Sce- ice members and their families. consistent with other federally sup- Again, this legislation should provide nic Rivers Act. ported training academies. The Con- The reach is also rich in other natu- the catalyst to demonstrate that, in gressional Budget Office has indicated ral and cultural resources. Bald eagles, fact, those career uniformed service that there would be no cost for this members continue to have options in wintering and migrating waterfowl, conversion, and I urge my colleagues to deer elk, and a diversity of other wild- terms of health care and allows them join me in support of this legislation.∑ to continue to be able to choose their life depend on the reach. It is home to health care provider like most Ameri- By Mrs. MURRAY: dozens of rare, threatened, and endan- cans. For the active service member S. 1489. A bill to amend the Wild and gered plants and animals, some found and their families they will continue to Scenic Rivers Act to designate a por- only in the reach. This part of the Columbia Basin is enjoy the highest quality health care tion of the Columbia River as a rec- also of great cultural importance. Na- that is our duty to provide.∑ reational river, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natu- tive American culture thrived on the By Mr. SARBANES: ral Resources. shores and islands of the reach for mil- S. 1488. A bill to convert certain ex- COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN LEGISLATION lennia, and there are over 150 archae- cepted service positions in the U.S. ∑ Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am ological sites in the proposed designa- Fire Administration to competitive introducing legislation today to des- tion, some dating back more than service positions, and for other pur- ignate the 50-miles of the mid-Colum- 10,000 years. The reach’s naturally- poses; to the Committee on Govern- bia River known as the Hanford spawning salmon and cultural sites re- mental Affairs. Reach—the last free-flowing stretch of main a vital part of the culture and re- U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION LEGISLATION the river—a wild and scenic river and ligion of Native American groups in ∑ Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, to improve fish and wildlife habitat the area. today I am introducing legislation to downstream of the reach. The southern shore of the reach convert eight remaining excepted serv- Although I have been working for chronicles a different kind of history: ice positions at the U.S. Fire Adminis- less than a year with the community the story of the Manhattan project and tration to competitive service status. and members of my Hanford Reach Ad- defense nuclear production during the During its first few years of oper- visory Panel to develop a broadly-sup- cold war. Nowhere else in the world is ation, the Federal Emergency Manage- ported means of protecting the river there a higher concentration of nuclear ment Agency used an excepted service corridor, the effort to save the reach facilities, some of which are on the Na- authority provided under the Fire Pre- has been underway for 30 years. tional Register of Historic Places, than vention and Control Act of 1974 in The Hanford Reach is an issue whose along this stretch of the Columbia order to quickly staff the National Fire time has come. River. Academy with personnel who were While most of the Columbia River In stark contrast to the old defense uniquely qualified in fire education. Basin was being developed during the reactors is the section of the reach S 19008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 dominated by the White Bluffs, whose maintains the levees, to coordinate documenting the need to strengthen towering but fragile cliffs offer dra- with local sponsors on demonstration the quality of pension audits. Recent matic scenery and opportunities for projects to restore the rivershore. In investigations by Secretary Reich of solitude. Irrigation water flowing the short-term, the bill directs the 401(k) plans further demonstrate the through unstable Ringold formation corps to undertake some small levee need for Congress to Act promptly on sediments has caused part of the White modification projects under their exist- this measure. Bluffs to slide into the River, smother- ing Section 1135 Project Restoration I want to commend Senator JEF- ing spawning beds, reducing water Program, assuming the local sponsors FORDS for his interest and work in sup- quality, and even deflecting the course meet program requirements for plan- port of this bill. I also want to com- of the river. This constitutes one of the ning and cost-sharing. The cities of mend Secretary Reich for the Depart- great threats to the reach. Kennewick and Pasco, and the Port of ment’s substantial work and effort in The reach offers residents and visi- Kennewick, have already indicated an support of this bill. I am also pleased tors recreation of many types—from interest and ability to pursue this to report that this bill is supported by hunting, fishing, and hiking to course of action. In the long-term, the the American Institute of Certified kayaking, waterskiing, and bird- corps is directed to undertake a com- Public Accountants, and I thank them watching—and adds greatly to the prehensive study of the levees and de- for their efforts to move this bill for- quality of life and economy of the area. termine if rivershore restoration in the ward. I ask unanimous consent to have My legislation builds on a foundation area is feasible and an important Fed- a summary of the bill printed in the begun in the 100th Congress by Sen- eral priority. RECORD. ators Dan Evans and Brock Adams, and I am proud of the way this legislation There being no objection, the mate- Congressman Sid Morrison, who en- was developed. It is the product of an rial was ordered to be printed in the acted legislation which called for a open, consensus-building process that RECORD, as follows: moratorium on development within the heard from virtually every interested river corridor and a detailed study of PENSION AUDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1995 group in the community and in the re- policy options. Our bill implements the CURRENT LAW gion. The bill was drafted with the as- preferred alternative of the Hanford Title I of the Employee Retirement Income sistance of a diverse panel of commu- Reach EIS, which recommended Con- Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), requires that nity leaders from local government, gress designate the reach a rec- pension plan administrators obtain a finan- business, labor, and the conservation cial audit of employee benefit pension plans. reational river under the National Wild community. ERISA’s audit requirement was designed to and Scenic Rivers Act. I am deeply grateful to the members protect employee benefit plan assets and as- With the guidance of my Hanford sist the Labor Department’s enforcement ac- Reach Advisory Panel, the legislation of my Hanford Reach Advisory Panel for their public spirited commitment of tivities by insuring the integrity of financial also contains some refinements and and compliance information disclosed on the protections. For example, the bill ex- their valuable time, energy, and cre- annual report filed with the government. plicitly allows current activities, such ativity. Sue Frost, manager of the Port Under current law, plan auditors are as agriculture, power generation and of Kennewick; Chris Jensen, Pacso City permitted to exclude plan assets invested in transmission, and water withdrawals Council; Joe King, Richland City Man- regulated institutions, such as banks or in- surance companies, from the annual audit. along the river corridor to continue. It ager; Rick Leaumont with the Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society; John This exclusion, referred to as a limited-scope excludes private property, which com- audit, prohibits auditors from rendering an prises only about three percent of the Lindsay, president of TRIDEC; Kris Watkins with the Tri-Cities’ Visitor opinion on the plan’s financial statements in study area. The legislation also guar- accordance with professional auditing stand- antees that local government and other and Convention Bureau; and Jim Watts ards. Consequently, there is no assurance local interests have a formal role in with the Oil, Chemical and Atomic that plan assets are secure. About fifty per- the management of the river corridor, Workers did an outstanding job tack- cent of plan audit reports contain a limited which will come under the jurisdiction ling the tough issues associated with scope audit disclaimer, resulting in approxi- of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. this legislation and developing a con- mately $950 billion dollars in pension plan The legislation also includes provi- sensus proposal. assets that are not subject to a full financial audit. sions which complement the Wild and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to enact this Federal law enforcement agencies includ- Scenic River designation. The Sec- ing, the Office of the Inspector General of retary of Interior and relevant Federal historic and balanced measure.∑ the Department of Labor, the General Ac- agencies are directed to work with counting Office (GAO) and the Pension and By Mr. SIMON (for himself, Mr. local and State sponsors in developing Welfare Benefits Administration of the De- JEFFORDS, Mr. LEAHY, and Mrs. a program of education and interpreta- partment of Labor have found that current tion related to the Hanford Reach. The BOXER): ERISA audits do not consistently meet pro- S. 1490. A bill to amend title I of the city of Richland and area tribes, among fessional standards, therefore, hundreds of Employee Retirement Income Security millions of dollars in pension funds are not others, have been working with the De- Act of 1974 to improve enforcement of being adequately audited. partment of Energy on a museum and such title and benefit security for par- MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE PENSION AUDIT regional visitor center proposal and are IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1995 eager to make the natural and human ticipants by adding certain provisions history of the reach part of the project. with respect to the auditing of em- The Pension Audit Improvement Act is de- ployee benefit plans, and for other pur- signed to improve the integrity of private Federal agencies should help coordi- audits of employee pension plan benefits to nate with local sponsors on this initia- poses; to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources. better protect retirees and active workers fu- tive. ture retirement income. In order to insure There is also great interest in the tri- THE PENSION AUDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1995 that pension funds are adequately safe- cities, and among some government Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, Senator guarded, this bill repeals the limited scope agencies, in improving the habitat JEFFORDS and I are introducing the audit exception, enhances ERISA auditor value, access, and appearance of the Pension Audit Improvement Act of 1995 qualifications, and requires speedy reporting Columbia River shoreline in the area, today in order to improve the quality of serious ERISA violations discovered dur- much of which is lined with high, steep of audits performed pursuant to the ing plan audits. levees that were put into place before Employee Retirement Income Security 1. Repeal of limited scope audits the network of Columbia River dams Act of 1974 [ERISA]. The bill repeals The bill repeals the limited-scope audit. controlled the flow of the River and re- the limited scope audit exemption, en- Limited scope audits were originally de- duced the need for such flood control hances ERISA auditor qualifications, signed to exempt institutions that were al- structures. Migrating salmon and wild- and requires speedy reporting of seri- ready examined by federal or state agencies from duplicative detailed audits. The Inspec- life now face a sterile gauntlet, popu- ous ERISA violations discovered dur- tor General of the Department of Labor, has lated by predatory fish species, in this ing plan audits. found, however, that a significant number of part of the River. Over the past few years, both the In- these financial institutions are not audited This bill directs the Army Corps of spector General of the Department of annually increasing risks to plan partici- Engineers, which built, owns, and Labor and the GAO have issued reports pants of inadequate retirement security. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19009 Eliminating the limited scope audit will not tive’’ for parties to settle with the Depart- of potential ERISA violations, includ- require that the plan’s accountant duplicate ment. ing: incomplete or inadequate informa- the work of a bank or insurance company The bill also clarifies that ERISA’s anti- tion being reported, the ability of the alienation rule, which protects pensions audit. It is expected that the ERISA plan government to examine only about one auditors will rely on the reports of the finan- from third party creditors, does not protect cial institution, meeting certain certified fiduciaries who breach ERISA and cause a percent of these plans per year, and public accounting standards, which speak to loss to the plan. The bill clarifies that that private plan audits do not consist- the reliability of that audit. This ‘‘single ERISA does not prohibit a plan from offset- ently meet generally accepted profes- audit’’ approach would fulfill the purposes of ting a fiduciary’s, or criminal wrongdoer’s sional accounting standards. the audit requirement without imposing the pension benefits when such person causes a The intent of the Pension Audit Im- additional cost of independently reviewing loss to the plan. provement Act is to increase the over- the financial institution’s records. At the Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise all integrity of private pension plan au- same time, accountants will now be able to today with my good friend and col- diting enforcement practices. To en- issue audit reports that provide employees league, Senator SIMON, to introduce the assurance that their retirement income hance the integrity of audits this bill is secure. the Pension Audit Improvement Act of will subject qualified public account- 1995. I’d also like to thank the Depart- 2. Reporting and enforcement requirements for ants to external peer review. In addi- pension plans ment of Labor and the American Insti- tion, public accountants performing a. Prompt reporting of serious violations tute of Certified Public Accountants ERISA audits will be required to sat- who have worked very closely with us ERISA’s current reporting rules create a isfy continuing education requirements time lag between the detection of a report- to produce this bill. emphasizing employee benefits ERISA able event and the filing of the annual report The primary purpose of this legisla- rules. which increases the risk to plan participants tion is to repeal the limited scope audit In addition, this bill will place new, and beneficiaries that full recoveries will not exception currently in the Employee expedited reporting duties on auditors be made. This audit bill requires faster re- Retirement Income Security Act whose services are terminated by the porting duties on auditors who discover seri- [ERISA]. Similar bills have been intro- plan administrator before the audit is ous violations or whose services are termi- duced by my colleagues Senators completed and, for those auditors who nated by the employer client. This provision KASSEBAUM and HATCH in previous discover evidence of serious violations should substantially enhance ERISA enforce- years. The current bill has the added ment because the Department of Labor will such as theft, embezzlement, bribery or receive notices of violations from plan audi- feature of putting some teeth into pri- kickbacks. Auditors will be required to tors, up to eighteen months, before the De- vate auditor enforcement efforts and report these violations directly to the partment currently receives this informa- responsibilities. Department of Labor only if the ad- tion. Limited scope audits are audits ministrator fails to notify the Depart- The new reporting rules apply only to the where independent accountants are not ment within a specified time frame. most egregious violations like theft, embez- required to examine, test, or evaluate The primary reporting, of any viola- zlement, bribery or kickbacks. The primary funds or assets held in trust by banks tion, still remains with the plan spon- reporting obligation remains with the plan or other regulated financial institu- administrator. Auditors report serious viola- sor. tions directly to the Labor Department only tions. This provision in ERISA has cre- I look forward to working with all in- if the administrator fails to notify within a ated a major loophole in the oversight terested parties in turning this bill specific time frame. of pension plans. While the assumption into a first step toward strengthening b. Auditor termination is that these institutions are ade- our current pension enforcement sys- The bill also requires a pension plan that quately audited by federal agencies, tem. Although, these changes to terminates an accountant to promptly notify these audits are generally done only ERISA’s reporting rules may seem the Secretary of Labor. The plan’s notice once every two years. More signifi- minor they have the potential to cre- must specify the reasons for termination, cantly, when an independent auditor is ate lasting reform with respect to the and a copy of the notice must be sent to the restricted from examining significant enforcement of Title I of ERISA. Giv- accountant. information in an audit, she generally ing private sector auditors the tools c. Penalty for failure to report disclaims any opinion about whether and responsibility of early detection of The bill provides a civil penalty of up to that plan’s financial statements are violations will prevent workers from $100,000 against any accountant or pension correct. losing hard earned pension benefits. plan that violates the reporting requirement. Workers and retirees have the right We simply must do a better job of A violation could also result in criminal to except that somebody is making sanctions. safeguarding the pension benefits of a sure that their pensions are there when growing number of workers and pen- 3. Enhanced qualifications for ERISA plan they retire. The sheer numbers of pri- auditors sioners. The economic security of tens vate pension plans over 900,000, make it of millions of Americans depends on The Department of Labor reports that it virtually impossible for the govern- ‘‘continues to detect substantial auditing these benefits being adequately pro- work’’ by ERISA auditors. This bill creates a ment to possibly maintain a viable en- tected. peer review and continuing professional edu- forcement effort without the help of cation requirement for ERISA plan auditors. private plan auditors. Also, is it realis- By Mr. GRAMS (for himself, Mr The bill also gives the Secretary of Labor tic to expect an accountant, who has HEFLIN, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. MCCON- regulatory authority to insure the quality of continuing ties with an employer, to NELL, Mr. CONRAD, Mr. plan audits. identify and report to the Department COVERDELL, and Mr. The bill requires that qualified public ac- of Labor questionable transactions be- SANTORUM): countants participate in an external quality tween the plan and plan sponsor? S. 1491. A bill to reform antimicrobial peer review relevant to employee benefit pesticide registration, and for other plans within a three year period prior to con- The current enforcement system in- ducting an ERISA audit. This review must correctly assumes, to a large degree, purposes; to the Committee on Agri- meet recognized auditing standards as deter- that independent public accountants culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. mined by the Comptroller General of the will detect serious violations in a time- ANTI-MICROBIAL LEGISLATION United States. The bill also requires that ly manner. A 1987 report, by the De- Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise qualified public accountants performing partment of Labor’s Office of Inspector today to introduce bipartisan legisla- ERISA plan audits satisfy specific continu- General found that in 71% of their re- tion reforming the burdensome regu- ing education requirements. views, that the independent auditors latory process for pesticide approvals 4. Clarification of fiduciary penalties had failed to discover existing ERISA under the Federal Insecticide, Fun- The bill provides the Secretary of Labor violations. In a more recent 1989 re- gicide, and Rodenticide Act. the discretion to reduce the current civil port, the Inspector General found large I am pleased to say that my legisla- penalties (the penalty is an amount equal to 20% of amount recovered pursuant to a set- numbers of audits didn’t adequately ex- tion achieves that goal while preserv- tlement agreement for breach of fiduciary amine or test plan assets and lacked ing and improving upon our Nation’s duty). The Secretary has determined that timely reporting of ERISA violations. public health. the automatic penalty disadvantages plan Furthermore, these studies indicate a This legislation is a product of com- participants because it serves as a ‘‘disincen- number of problems with the detection promise between the affected industry S 19010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 and the Environmental Protection taken so long for the Government to [Mr. GRASSLEY] was added as a cospon- Agency. recognize what its manufacturer had sor of S. 1400, a bill to require the Sec- The spirit of bipartisanship is best long known. retary of Labor to issue guidance as to exemplified by the list of my col- Such examples have become com- the application of the Employee Re- leagues joining me in this effort, in- monplace. Because of this inappropri- tirement Income Security Act of 1974 cluding Senator HEFLIN, Senator ate backlog of anti-microbial applica- to insurance company general ac- PRYOR, Senator MCCONNELL, Senator tions pending within the EPA that counts. CONRAD, Senator COVERDELL and Sen- have little or no chance of being re- S. 1419 solved within a reasonable period of ator SANTORUM. At the request of Mrs. KASSEBAUM, time, the need for legislative reform is As members of the Agriculture Com- the name of the Senator from New clear. mittee, their support for this common- York [Mr. D’AMATO] was added as a co- sense legislation is essential and appre- Our legislation will establish process for expediting the review of anti-micro- sponsor of S. 1419, a bill to impose ciated. sanctions against Nigeria. Mr. President, Congress has finally bial products. SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 25 begun to recognize the severe burdens It incorporates predictability into At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the we place upon America’s job creators the system without compromising pub- lic health and safety. it encourages in- name of the Senator from Connecticut when we impose regulatory legislation dustry and Government to work to- [Mr. DODD] was added as a cosponsor of without respect to its cost or ultimate gether to actually improve products Senate Concurrent Resolution 25, a benefits. which can better guarantee our public So I am pleased that we have made concurrent resolution concerning the health. significant progress this year in re- protection and continued viability of In a legislative climate that is too the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Pa- forming and reducing some of that reg- often partisan and uncompromising, ulatory burden, and I believe this legis- triarchate. this bill is an example of how Congress, f lation takes us another step forward. the administration and its Federal The pesticides covered by this legis- agencies, industry, and consumers can AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED lation, called antimicrobial products, pool their efforts to achieve a common include common household disinfect- end. ant cleaners, bleaches, sanitizers, and Again, I thank my colleagues who WHITEWATER SUBPOENA disinfectants. have cosponsored this bill, the anti-mi- RESOLUTION Antimicrobials play an important crobial industry, user groups, and the and beneficial role in controlling dis- EPA for coming together to work out ease and in maintaining a high public- the details of this bill. I urge the rest D’AMATO AMENDMENTS NOS. 3101– health standard in hospitals, nursing of my colleagues to join us in support- 3103 homes, clinics, schools, hotels, res- ing this commonsense reform. Mr. D’AMATO proposed three amend- taurants, and even in our own homes. f ments to the resolution (S. Res. 199) di- Because emergency workers rely on recting the Senate Legal Counsel to antimicrobial pesticides to disinfect ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS bring a civil action to enforce a sub- contaminated water supplies, they are S. 607 poena of the Special Committee to In- especially valuable during times of At the request of Mr. WARNER, the vestigate Whitewater Development natural disasters, such as flooding in name of the Senator from Michigan Corporation and Related Matters to the Midwest, hurricanes in Florida, and [Mr. ABRAHAM] was added as a cospon- William H. Kennedy, III; as follows: earthquakes in California. sor of S. 607, a bill to amend the Com- Yet despite the critical role prehensive Environmental Response, AMENDMENT NO. 3101 antimicrobials play in maintaining Compensation, and Liability Act of The first section of the resolution is public health, and the efforts of our 1980 to clarify the liability of certain amended by striking ‘‘subpoena and order’’ and inserting ‘‘subpoenas and orders’’. colleagues to develop a responsible so- recycling transactions, and for other purposes. lution, there have been significant and AMENDMENT NO. 3102 unintended delays on the EPA’s part in S. 984 After the sixth Whereas clause in the pre- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the approving these products for use. amble insert the following: Unfortunately, those delays in the name of the Senator from Kansas [Mr. ‘‘Whereas on December 15, 1995, the Special registration process have stifled the DOLE] was added as a cosponsor of S. Committee authorized the issuance of a sec- ability of the industry to market new 984, a bill to protect the fundamental ond subpoena duces tecum to William H. products—products which could have right of a parent to direct the upbring- Kennedy, III, directing him to produce the an even more significant impact on the ing of a child, and for other purposes. identical documents to the Special Commit- public health. S. 1183 tee by 12:00 p.m. on December 18, 1995; I would like to share an example. At the request of Mr. HATFIELD, the ‘‘Whereas on December 18, 1995, counsel for A new product which provides ex- name of the Senator from Illinois [Mr. Mr. Kennedy notified the Special Committee that, based upon the instructions of the traordinary effectiveness against a SIMON] was added as a cosponsor of S. White House Counsel’s Office and personal powerful form of bacteria was devel- 1183, a bill to amend the act of March counsel for President and Mrs. Clinton, Mr. oped by an international supplier of 3, 1931 (known as the Davis-Bacon Act), Kennedy would not comply with the second cleaning and sanitizing products. to revise the standards for coverage subpoena; Not only was this new product found under the act, and for other purposes. ‘‘Whereas, on December 18, 1995, the chair- to be extremely effective, but it was S. 1379 man of the Special Committee announced also developed to break down rapidly At the request of Mr. THOMAS, his that he was overruling the legal objections once it had achieved its sanitizing name was added as a cosponsor of S. to the second subpoena for the same reasons as for the first subpoena, and ordered and di- work. In short, it effectively helped de- 1379, a bill to make technical amend- rected that Mr. Kennedy comply with the stroy bacteria while it reduced the ments to the Fair Debt Collection second subpoena by 3:00 p.m. on December 18, likelihood of environmental damage. Practices Act, and for other purposes. 1995; While this revolutionary product had S. 1386 ‘‘Whereas Mr. Kennedy has refused to com- proven merits, the company could not At the request of Mr. BURNS, the ply with the Special Committee’s second get the product approved by the EPA name of the Senator from Mississippi subpoena as ordered and directed by the for over 2 years because of the cum- [Mr. COCHRAN] was added as a cospon- chairman;’’. bersome approval process. sor of S. 1386, a bill to provide for soft- At the end of that 2-year period, the metric conversion, and for other pur- Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘Resolution directing the Senate Legal Counsel to bring EPA granted its approval and agreed poses. a civil action to enforce subpoenas and or- that this product was of great impor- S. 1400 ders of the Special Committee to Investigate tance to public health and the environ- At the request of Mrs. KASSEBAUM, Whitewater Development Corporation and ment. It’s unfortunate that it has the name of the Senator from Iowa Related Matters to William H. Kennedy, III.’’ December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19011 SARBANES AMENDMENT NO. 3104 ing of slaughter cattle and of slaughter hogs ‘‘(C) the State may use funds available to by meat packers; the State under such Federal program to re- Mr. SARBANES proposed an amend- Sec. 4(b) Solicitation of Information. imburse such State, together with interest ment to the resolution, Senate Resolu- Line 7 page 10 insert: ‘industry employees’. thereon due under section 6503(d) of title 31, tion 199, supra; as follows: f United States Code. Strike all after the resolving clause and in- ‘‘(2) For purposes of this subsection, the sert the following: ‘‘That the Special Com- THE IRAN FOREIGN OIL term ‘State’ shall have the meaning as such mittee should, in response to the offer of the SANCTIONS ACT OF 1995 term is defined under the applicable Federal White House, exhaust all available avenues program under paragraph (1).’’. of negotiation, cooperation, or other joint f activity in order to obtain the notes of KENNEDY (AND D’AMATO) former White House Associate Counsel Wil- AMENDMENT NO. 3106 AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEE TO liam H. Kennedy, III, taken at the meeting MEET of November 5, 1993. The Special Committee Mr. SANTORUM (for Mr. KENNEDY, shall make every possible effort to work co- for himself and Mr. D’AMATO) proposed COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL operatively with the White House and other an amendment to the bill (S. 1228) to RESOURCES parties to secure the commitment of the impose sanctions on foreign persons ex- Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I Independent Counsel and the House of Rep- porting petroleum products, natural ask unanimous consent that the Com- resentatives not to argue in any forum that mittee on Energy and Natural Re- the production of the Kennedy notes to the gas, or related technology to Iran; as follows: sources be granted permission to meet Special Committee constitutes a waiver of during the session of the Senate on attorney-client privilege.’’. At the end of the bill, add the following The preamble is amended to read as fol- new section: Wednesday, December 20, 1995, for pur- lows: SEC. . APPLICATION OF THE ACT TO LIBYA. poses of conducting a full committee ‘‘Whereas the White House has offered to The sanctions of this Act, including the hearing which is scheduled to begin at provide the Special Committee to Inves- terms and conditions for the imposition, du- 9:30 a.m. The purpose of this hearing is tigate Whitewater Development Corporation ration, and termination of sanctions, shall to consider S.594, Presidio, to review a and Related Matters (‘the Special Commit- apply to persons making investments for the map associated with the San Francisco tee’) the notes taken by former Associate development of petroleum resources in Libya Presidio. Specifically, the purposes are White House Counsel William H. Kennedy, in the same manner as those sanctions apply to determine which properties within III, while attending a November 5, 1993 meet- under this Act to persons making invest- the Presidio of San Francisco should be ing at the law offices of Williams and ments for such development in Iran. Connolly, provided there is not a waiver of transferred to the administrative juris- f the attorney client privilege; diction of the Presidio Trust and to ‘‘Whereas the White House has made a REIMBURSEMENTS TO STATES outline what authorities are required well-founded assertion, supported by re- FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED EM- to ensure that the trust can meet the spected legal authorities, that the November PLOYEES DURING SHUT DOWN objective of generating revenues suffi- 5, 1993 meeting is protected by the attorney- cient to operate the Presidio without a client privilege; ‘‘Whereas the attorney-client privilege is a Federal appropriation. fundamental tenet of our legal system which DOMENICI (AND OTHERS) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Congress has historically respected; AMENDMENT NO. 3107 objection, it is so ordered. ‘‘Whereas whenever the Congress and the Mr. SANTORUM (for Mr. DOMENICI, COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY President fail to resolve a dispute between Mr. LOTT, Mr. WARNER, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I them and instead submit their disagreement ask unanimous consent that the Com- to the courts for resolution, an enormous Mr. COHEN, Mr. EXON, Mr. PRESSLER, power is vested in the judicial branch to Mrs. HUTCHISON, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. mittee on the Judiciary be authorized write rules that will govern the relationship THOMAS, Mr. COHEN, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. to hold a business meeting during the between the elected branches; KERREY, Mr. GRASSLEY, and Mr. HAR- session of the Senate on Wednesday, ‘‘Whereas an adverse precedent could be es- KIN) proposed an amendment to the bill December 20, 1995, at 10 a.m. in SD226. tablished for the Congress that would make (S. 1429) to provide clarification in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without it more difficult for all congressional com- reimbursement to States for federally objection, it is so ordered. mittees to conduct important oversight and other investigatory functions; funded employees carrying out Federal f programs during the lapse in appro- ‘‘Whereas when a dispute occurs between ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS the Congress and the President, it is the ob- priations between November 14, 1995, ligation of each to make a principled effort through November 19, 1995; as follows: to acknowledge, and if possible to meet, the Strike out all after the enacting clause and BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT legitimate needs of the other branch; insert in lieu thereof the following: ‘‘Whereas the White House has made such SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION OF REIMBURSEMENT ∑ Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I an effort through forthcoming offers to the TO STATES FOR FEDERALLY FUND- hereby submit to the Senate the budg- Special Committee to resolve this dispute; ED EMPLOYEES. et scorekeeping report prepared by the and Section 124 of the joint resolution entitled ‘‘Whereas the Special Committee will ob- Congressional Budget Office under sec- ‘‘A joint resolution making further continu- tion 308(b) and in aid of section 311 of tain the requested notes much more prompt- ing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, ly through a negotiated resolution of this and for other purposes’’, approved November the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, dispute than a court suit:’’. 20, 1995 (Public Law 104–56) is amended by as amended. This report meets the re- f adding at the end thereof the following new quirements for Senate scorekeeping of subsection: section 5 of Senate Concurrent Resolu- THE LIVESTOCK CONCENTRATION ‘‘(b)(1) If during the period beginning No- tion 32, the first concurrent resolution REPORT ACT OF 1995 vember 14, 1995, through November 19, 1995, a on the budget for 1986. State used State funds to continue carrying This report shows the effects of con- out a Federal program or furloughed State gressional action on the budget HATCH AMENDMENT NO. 3105 employees whose compensation is advanced through December 18, 1995. The esti- Mr. DOLE (for Mr. HATCH) proposed or reimbursed in whole or in part by the Fed- eral Government— mates of budget authority, outlays, an amendment to the bill (S. 1340) to and revenues, which are consistent require the President to appoint a ‘‘(A) such furloughed employees shall be compensated at their standard rate of com- with the technical and economic as- Commission on Concentration in the pensation for such period; sumptions of the 1996 concurrent reso- Livestock Industry; as follows: ‘‘(B) the State shall be reimbursed for ex- lution on the budget (H. Con. Res. 67), Sec. 4 Duties of Commission: delete lines 9 penses that would have been paid by the Fed- show that current level spending is and 10 (page 9) and add: eral Government during such period had ap- under the budget resolution by $131.3 (2) to request the Attorney General to re- propriations been available, including the port on the application of the antitrust laws cost of compensating such furloughed em- billion in budget authority and by $55.0 and operation of other Federal laws applica- ployees, together with interest thereon due billion in outlays. Current level is $43 ble, with respect to concentration and verti- under section 6503(d) of title 31, United million below the revenue floor in 1996 cal integration in the procurement and pric- States Code; and and $0.7 billion below the revenue floor S 19012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 over the 5 years 1996–2000. The current THE ON-BUDGET CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR THE U.S. and programs into national models. On estimate of the deficit for purposes of SENATE, 104TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION, SENATE the job, he is known throughout the calculating the maximum deficit SUPPORTING DETAIL FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996, AS OF Nation for his fairness and profes- amount is $190.7 billion, $54.9 billion CLOSE OF BUSINESS DECEMBER 18, 1996—Continued sionalism. And in the community as an above the maximum deficit amount for [In millions of dollars] adjunct professor at the school of busi- 1996 of $245.6 billion. ness at the University of South Caro- Since my last report, dated December Budget au- thority Outlays Revenues lina and as a past member of the board 7, 1995, Congress cleared for the Presi- of directors of the Combined Federal dent’s signature the Commerce, State, Appropriation legislation ...... 242,052 ...... Campaign, Don is known for his dedica- Offsetting receipts ..... (200,017) (200,017) ...... Justice, and the Judiciary Appropria- tion and service. tions Act (H.R. 2076). These actions, Total previously en- Don has been head of the Columbia acted ...... 630,254 840,958 1,042,557 and the expiration of continuing reso- District since 1980. In his years there, lution authority on December 15, 1995, he is credited with developing an ENACTED THIS SESSION changed the current level of budget au- Appropriation bills: award-winning Federal/State Tax Ad- thority and outlays. 1995 Rescissions and ministration Sharing Program. As the Department of De- The report follows: fense Emergency IRS Southeast Region Federal/State U.S. CONGRESS, Supplementals Act Sharing Program executive, he coordi- (P.L. 104–6) ...... (100) (885) ...... CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, 1995 Rescissions and nates Federal/State programs in the Washington, DC, December 19, 1995. Emergency nine Southeastern States. Don also Hon. PETE V. DOMENICI, Supplementals for Disaster Assistance oversees the operation of Federal tax Chairman, Committee on the Budget, Act (P.L. 104–19) .. 22 (3,149) ...... administration in South Carolina—a U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Agriculture (P.L. 104– job in which he manages the collection DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The attached report 37) ...... 62,602 45,620 ...... for fiscal year 1996 shows the effects of Con- Defense (P.L. 104–61) 243,301 163,223 ...... of $11 billion in Federal tax every year Energy and Water (P.L. gressional action on the 1996 budget and is 104–46) ...... 19,336 11,502 ...... from 1.5 million filers of Federal in- current through December 18, 1995. The esti- Legislative Branch come tax returns. mates of budget authority, outlays and reve- (P.L. 105–53) ...... 2,125 1,977 ...... Don was born 60 years ago in St. Military Construction nues are consistent with the technical and (P.L. 104–32) ...... 11,177 3,110 ...... Louis, MO. He joined the IRS after he economic assumptions of the 1996 Concurrent Transportation (P.L. got a bachelor’s degree in accounting 104–50) ...... 12,682 11,899 ...... Resolution on the Budget (H. Con. Res. 67). Treasury, Postal Serv- from St. Louis University. In 1973, he This report is submitted under Section 308(b) ice (P.L. 104–52) .. 15,080 12,584 ...... started training in the agency’s execu- Authorization bills: and in aid of Section 311 of the Congressional tive development program and became Budget Act, as amended. Self-Employed Health Insurance Act (P.L. assistant district director of its Rich- Since my last report, dated December 7, 104–7) ...... (18) (18) (101) 1995, Congress cleared for the President’s sig- Alaska Native Claims mond, VA, office later that year. After nature the Commerce, State, Justice and the Settlement Act (P.L. a stint in Baltimore, he moved in 1980 104–42) ...... 1 1 ...... Judiciary Appropriations Act (H.R. 2076). Fishermen’s Protective to Columbia to take over IRS oper- These actions, and the expiration of continu- Act Amendments of ations for the State of South Carolina. ing resolution authority on December 15, 1995 (P.L. 104–43) ...... (1) ...... Perishable Agricultural Mr. President, Don Breihan is not a 1995, changed the current level of budget au- Commodities Act native of our Palmetto State, but he thority and outlays. Amendments of quickly earned the respect to be treat- Sincerely, 1995 (P.L. 104–48). Alaska Power Adminis- ed like one. His hard work, commit- JUNE E. O’NEILL, Director. tration Sale Act (P.L. 104–58) ...... (20) (20) ...... ment and spirit of dedication make Total enacted this him a tried and true South Carolinian. THE CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR THE U.S. SENATE, FIS- session ...... 366,191 245,845 (100) His brand of public service won’t be CAL YEAR 1996, 104TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION, AS PENDING SIGNATURE able to be replaced. OF CLOSE OF BUSINESS DECEMBER 18, 1995 Commerce, Justice, State Mr. President, I appreciate the oppor- [In billions of dollars] (H.R. 2076) ...... 27,110 18,910 ...... ENTITLEMENTS AND MANDATORIES tunity to recognize the years of energy Budget res- Current Budget resolution baseline and devotion that Donald L. Breihan olution (H. Current level over/ estimates of appro- has worked to make our State a better Con. Res. level 1 under reso- priated entitlements and 67) lution other mandatory pro- place. I am glad that he is making grams not yet enacted ... 130,678 127,394 ...... South Carolina his permanent home. ON-BUDGET 2 And I wish him and his wife Nancy all Budget authority ...... 1,285.5 1,154.2 ¥131.3 Total Current Level ...... 1,154,233 1,233,108 1,042,457 Outlays ...... 1,288.1 1,233.1 ¥55.0 Total Budget Resolution ..... 1,285,500 1,288,100 1,042,500 the best during Don’s retirement and Revenues: Amount remaining: many more happy years to come.∑ 1996 ...... 1,042.5 1,042.5 2 ¥0. Under Budget Resolu- 1996–2000 ...... 5,691.5 5,690.8 ¥0.7 tion ...... 131,267 54,992 43 f Deficit ...... 245.6 190.7 ¥54.9 Over budget Resolu- Debt subject to limit ...... 5,210.7 4,900.0 ¥310.7 tion ...... THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE OFF-BUDGET 1 Less than $500,000. MEXICAN PESO CRISIS 2 In accordance with the Budget Enforcement Act, the total does not in- Social Security outlays: Mr. D’AMATO. Mr. President, today 1996 ...... 299.4 299.4 0.0 clude $3,400 million in budget authority and $1,590 million in outlays for ∑ 1996–2000 ...... 1,626.5 1,626.5 0.0 funding of emergencies that have been designated as such by the President marks the 1-year anniversary of a sad and the Congress. Social Security revenues: chapter in Mexico’s history and a sad 1996 ...... 374.7 374.7 0.0 Notes.—Detail may not add due to rounding. Numbers in parentheses are 1996–2000 ...... 2,061.0 2,061.0 0.0 negative. chapter in American financial manage- ment by the Clinton administration. 1 Current level represents the estimated revenue and direct spending ef- f fects of all legislation that Congress has enacted or sent to the President After the sudden devaluation of the for his approval. In addition, full-year funding estimates under current law DONALD L. BREIHAN: A Mexican peso on December 19, 1994, the are included for entitlement and mandatory programs requiring annual ap- COMMITTED PUBLIC SERVANT propriations even if the appropriations have not been made. The current Mexican economy continued to col- level of debt subject to limit reflects the latest U.S. Treasury information on ∑ Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise lapse. In response to the economic cri- public debt transactions. 2 Less than $50 million. today to pay tribute to the 38-year ca- sis, the Clinton administration cir- reer of a dedicated public servant who cumvented Congress and unilaterally THE ON-BUDGET CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR THE U.S. makes the Internal Revenue Service committed $20 billion of United States SENATE, 104TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION, SENATE look good. Donald L. Breihan, who is taxpayer funds to bail out Mexico. SUPPORTING DETAIL FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996, AS OF the district director of the Columbia The public relations campaign con- CLOSE OF BUSINESS DECEMBER 18, 1996 District of the IRS and who runs the ducted by the Clinton administration [In millions of dollars] service’s 11 offices across South Caro- and the Mexican Government have at- lina, will retire January 5. To put it tempted to portray the Mexican bail- Budget au- thority Outlays Revenues succinctly, he’ll be missed. out as a success and that, given enough For 16 years, Don’s down-to-earth, time and enough money—United States ENACTED IN PREVIOUS SESSIONS hands-off style of managing nearly 400 taxpayers’ money—conditions in Mex- Revenues ...... 1,042,557 Permanents and other IRS employees in South Carolina has ico will eventually improve. Public re- spending legislation ...... 830,272 798,924 ...... transformed many local tax initiatives lations campaigns and publicity stunts December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19013 aside, the facts are that the Clinton ad- curate reports. The end result in that leagues to vote for this resolution and ministration’s taxpayer funded bailout the Mexican Government is bailing our take further steps to obtain the infor- of Mexico is a colossal failure. Mexican banks. On December 15, 1995, mation we deserve. In early 1994, Mexico was hailed by the Mexican Government announced Mr. President, the Mexican peso cri- the administration as a hallmark of that it was buying $2 billion of bad sis is now 1 year old. It is time to reas- success and was embraced as a partner loans from Banamex, Mexico’s largest sess the situation and learn all we can in the North American Free-Trade financial groups. Where is the Meixcan from the mistakes that were made. At Agreement. The subsequent 2 years Government getting this money? From a time when we are struggling to bal- have revealed that this image was a the U.S. taxpayers? ance our own budget, and make nec- costly mirage forced upon the Amer- In the year since the peso’s collapse, essary cuts in social programs, we ican and Mexican citizens. Mexico has Mexico has received over $23 billion must think long and hard about spend- become a dependent of the United from the United States and the IMF ing United States tax dollars to bail States, looking north for more money and it has not solved anything. out Mexico’s financial problems.∑ to bail out its failed economic and so- American taxpayer dollars have been f cial policies. But the answer to Mexi- spent paying off private investors and co’s problems is, and always has been, not one dime of it is staying in Mexico RETIREMENT OF DAVID COLE in Mexico City, not Washington, DC. or helping the Mexican people. Over 1 ∑ Mr. BUMPERS. Mr. President, David I have been saying for almost 1 year million jobs have been lost and annual Cole, the officer in charge of the Mem- that the Clinton administration’s bail- inflation has exceeded 50 percent. It is phis office of the Immigration and Nat- out was an ill-conceived disaster. It is clear the bailout is a failure, so I hope uralization Service is soon to retire. not just my opinion, it is the cold hard that this administration will not con- Today I wish to pay tribute to this facts—evidenced by the Mexican eco- sider throwing more good money after dedicated civil servant. nomic figures. The last few months bad. For 34 years David Cole has labored have demonstrated that the Mexican fi- Mr. President, I want to address a re- in the vineyards at INS, and, along the nancial sector can no longer disguise lated matter concerning the IMF. On way, he earned a law degree from Mem- what is happening in Mexico. Mexico’s October 18, I sent a letter to the Man- phis State University. All who have economic crisis is now 1 year old and aging Director of the IMF, Mr. come in contact with Dave have been there is no indication of any meaning- Camdessus, requesting the public re- impressed with his knowledge, his dedi- ful improvement in Mexico’s real econ- lease of the so-called ‘‘Whittome Re- cation, and his integrity. omy: Record numbers of Mexicans are port’’. Two months later, the Congress David Aaron Cole joined the agency out of work, interest rates are soaring, and the American public still have not as an immigration patrol inspector on the people are starving, and the coun- seen the Report. The Whittome Report August 15, 1961, at Laredo, TX, follow- try is reeling under increasing social is the result of an internal study by the ing his graduation from Mississippi and political unrest. IMF of its surveillance and response to State University in Starkville. Dave Mr. President, we must look at the the Mexican crisis. According to news answered the call during the Berlin cri- objective facts, and the performance of articles, the Whittome Report con- sis and entered the military, assuming the Mexican peso is an excellent start- cluded that the IMF distorted its own active duty status on December 23, ing point. On December 20, 1994, the reporting on Mexico in response to po- 1961, where he served until August 27, peso was trading at 3.97. Yesterday the litical pressure from the Mexican Gov- 1962. He then returned to the U.S. Bor- peso closed at 7.54 against the dollar— ernment. The Report apparently pro- der Patrol in Laredo. that is a 50-percent drop in 1 year. vides a comprehensive analysis of the On January 6, 1966, Dave was pro- Mr. President, no one wants to hold IMF’s monitoring and response to the moted and transferred from the Border pesos because they are considered Mexican Economic Crisis. The Con- Patrol to Boston as a records and infor- worthless. As reported by the New gress and the American people need all mation specialist. In August 1967, he York Times on November 11, 1995, ‘‘In the information we can get on this was promoted and transferred to the land of the peso, the dollar is com- multi-billion dollar bailout. records and information specialist in mon coin.’’ But the Mexican Govern- The United States is the single larg- New York City and became chief of ment continues to spend United States est financial contributor to the IMF, records in 1970. taxpayer dollars in their frantic and fu- almost 1⁄4 of their funds, and we deserve On November 19, 1970, Dave was se- tile attempt to support the peso. some answers. The IMF has sent $11.4 lected as officer in charge, Memphis, Money from our Exchange Stabiliza- billion to Mexico this year and they TN, where he has faithfully served tion Fund—the ESF—that was sup- will disburse $1.6 billion more every 3 since then. posed to be used to support the dollar. months until August of next year. So Mr. President, Federal employees are The Clinton administration’s use of the when you add the indirect contribu- often the brunt of jokes, cartoons, and ESF was unprecedented, and legally tions the United States has made from talk shows. There are thousands like tenuous. In August of this year, I spon- the IMF to the $12.5 billion the United David Cole who faithfully do their job sored the Senate passed an amendment States has given directly to Mexico, it without recognition or fanfare. to the ESF statute which will prevent is obvious that we all have a very large I salute David Cole for his commit- this administration from using the stake in this game. When we have ques- ment to public service and for his dedi- ESF as the President’s personal tions—we deserve answers. cation to the people he served. I wish piggybank again. It is unconscionable that full disclo- him the very best as he retires from The currency speculators will con- sure has not been given the Congress— public service and begins a new career tinue to reap huge profits from the or the American taxpayer—about what in the private sector.∑ fluctuating peso. On December 22, 1994, happened in this Mexican bailout. The f Mexico adopted a floating rate regime, Treasury Department has classified the which can only be successful if people Whittome Report so the American peo- GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF have confidence in the Mexican Central ple cannot read it and make their own PREFERENCES Bank. The Central Bank’s performance judgment about how this crisis was ∑ Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, renewal so far has failed to inspire such con- handled. That’s wrong. of the Generalized System of Pref- fidence. These problems are exacer- In October I introduced a resolution erences [‘‘GSP’’] duty-free import pro- bated by the continuing dismal condi- calling for the IMF to release the gram is currently up for consideration tion of the Mexican banking system. I Whittome Report and requesting that as part of the budget reconciliation have been saying all year that the the Treasury Department declassify it package. The GSP program allows Mexican banking system is the weak so that the American public can judge duty-free imports of certain products link in any financial recovery. In May it for themselves. If this report is not into the U.S. from well over 100 GSP el- of this year, the Banking Committee declassified and made available to the igible nations as a way to help less de- held a hearing to review the condition public and the Congress by the start of veloped nations export into the U.S. of the banks and their apparent inac- the next session, I will ask my col- market. While I support this program, S 19014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 it is essential to remember that from nied these repeated GSP petitions that In 1973, I had the opportunity to work its inception in the Trade Act of 1974, would result in further import penetra- under Senator Baker as he served as the GSP program has provided for the tion. If, however, just one petitioning Vice Chairman of the Senate Water- exemption of ‘‘articles which the Presi- nation ever succeeds in gaining GSP gate Committee. His leadership on this dent determines to be import-sen- benefits for ceramic tile, then all GSP investigatory committee proved to be sitive.’’ This is a critical provision to beneficiary countries also are entitled an asset as he helped this investigation many of our industries. to GSP duty-free benefits for ceramic during one of the most difficult time in Mr. President, a clear example of an tile. If any of these petitions were grat- our Nation’s history. import sensitive article which should ed, it would eliminate American tile From 1977 to 1981, Senator Baker not be subject to GSP is ceramic tile. jobs and could devastate this domestic served as Republican Leader of the The U.S. ceramic tile market has been industry. Senate. In 1981, he became first Repub- repeatedly recognized as extremely im- Mr. President, I believe an import lican in more than 25 years to be elect- port-sensitive. During the past thirty- sensitive and already import-domi- ed Senate Majority Leader, a post he years, this U.S. industry has had to de- nated product such as ceramic tile held until his retirement in January of fend itself against a variety of unfair should not have to continually defend 1985. During all of his Senate service, and illegal import practices carried out itself against repeated duty-free peti- Senator Baker was known for his fair by some of our closest trade partners. tions but should be exempted from this and impartial treatment of members Imports already dominate the U.S. ce- program in some manner. While I un- from both sides of the aisle. He was ramic tile market and have done so for derstand USTR has serious reserva- also known in the Senate as someone the last decade. They currently provide tions about granting exemptions with- who could bring both sides of an issue nearly 60 percent of the largest and out periodic review, I am hopeful we together, especially when political par- most important glazed tile sector ac- can find some common ground so that tisanship was intense. cording to the 1994 year-end govern- the ceramic tile industry does not have In 1987, Senator Baker again an- ment figures. to defend itself each and every year. swered his country’s call, returning to Moreover, a major guiding principle While I support reauthorization of public service as Chief of Staff to of the GSP program has been recip- the GSP program, I trust and expect President Reagan. His tenure came at a rocal market access. Currently, GSP that import-sensitive products such as difficult time for the Reagan Adminis- eligible beneficiary countries supply ceramic tile will not be subject to tration, during the Iran-Contra con- almost one-fourth of the U.S. ceramic GSP.∑ troversy. Senator Baker helped to steer tile imports, and they are rapidly in- f the Administration through this trying creasing their sales and market shares. HOWARD H. BAKER, JR., UNITED situation, uncovering the relevant de- U.S. ceramic tile manufacturers, how- STATES COURTHOUSE tails of the controversy and helping to ever, are still denied access to many of Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I convey them to the public. these foreign markets. My friend, Howard Baker, who re- ask unanimous consent that the Com- Also, previous abuses of the GSP eli- cently celebrated his 70th birthday, has mittee on Environment and Public gible status with regard to some ce- retired from public service but contin- Works be immediately discharged from ramic tile product lines has been well ues to work on the behalf of many further consideration of H.R. 2547, and documented. In 1979, the USTR rejected worthwhile causes. Over the years, he that the Senate proceed to its imme- various petitions for duty-free treat- has received a number of awards and diate consideration. ment of ceramic tile from certain GSP The PRESIDING OFFICER. The honors including The Presidential beneficiary countries. With the acqui- clerk will report. Medal or Freedom and the Jefferson escence of the U.S. industry, however, The assistant legislative clerk read Award for Greatest Public Service the USTR at that time created a duty- as follows:. Performed by an Elected or Ap- free exception for the then minuscule A bill (H.R. 2547) to designate the United pointed Official. In addition, he has category of irregular edged ‘‘special- States courthouse located at 800 Market been presented a number of honorary ity’’ mosaic tile. Immediately there- Street in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the ‘‘How- degrees from several institutions of after, foreign manufacturers from ard H. Baker, Jr., United States Court- higher education, including: Bradley, major GSP beneficiary countries either house.’’ Centre College, Dartmouth, George- shifted their production to ‘‘specialty’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there town, Pepperdine, and Yale. mosaic tile or simply identified their objection to the immediate consider- As Senator Baker has served his existing products as ‘‘specialty’’ mo- ation of the bill? country and Tennessee admirably and saic tile on customs invoices and There being no objection, the Senate well for nearly two decades, and it is stopped paying duties on these prod- proceeded to consider the bill. my hope that the U.S. Senate will see ucts. These actions flooded the U.S. Mr. THOMPSON. Madam President, I fit to observe this service by naming market with superficially restyled or am pleased to support this bill which the U.S. Courthouse in Knoxville in his mislabeled duty-free ceramic tile. will designate the new United States honor. Mr. President, in light of the increas- Federal Courthouse in Knoxville, TN as Mr. FRIST. Madam President, I rise ing foreign dominance of the U.S. ce- the Howard H. Baker, Jr. United States today in support of the bill offered by ramic tile market, for whatever reason, Courthouse. I think it is fitting that Senator THOMPSON and myself, which the U.S. industry has been recognized this newly purchased courthouse be would designate the U.S. Courthouse by successive Congresses and Adminis- named for one of the most distin- located at 800 Market Street in Knox- trations as ‘‘import-sensitive’’ dating guished members ever to grace this ville, Tennessee, as the ‘‘Howard H. back to the Dillon and Kennedy body, a true gentleman who served his Baker, Jr. United States Courthouse.’’ Rounds of the General Agreement of Nation for nearly 20 years as Senator In 1966, Senator Baker became the Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Yet during from Tennessee, Senate Majority Lead- first Republican ever popularly elected this same period, the American ce- er, and, finally, White House Chief of to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee, and ramic tile industry has been forced to Staff. he won reelection by wide margins in defend itself from over a dozen peti- Senator Howard Baker begin his ca- 1972 and 1978. Senator Baker first won tions filed by various designated GSP reer as an attorney in Huntsville and national recognition in 1973 as the Vice eligible countries seeking duty-free nearby Knoxville, TN, after his gradua- Chairman of the Senate Watergate GSP treatment for their ceramic tile tion from the University of Tennessee Committee. He was the keynote speak- sent into this market. School of Law. In 1966, he was elected er at the Republican National Conven- The domestic ceramic tile industry to the United States Senate. Here, he tion in 1976, and a candidate for the Re- has been fortunate, to date, in the fact established a lasting reputation as an publican Presidential nomination in that both the USTR and the Inter- outstanding lawmaker. Because of his 1980. national Trade Commission thus far broad appeal in our home state, the He served in the Senate from 1967 have recognized the ‘‘import-sensitiv- people of Tennessee chose to reelect until January 1985, and concluded his ity’’ of the U.S. market and have de- him in 1972 and again in 1978. Senate career by serving two terms as December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19015 Minority Leader (1977–1981) and two The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there (b) PERSONS AGAINST WHICH THE SANCTIONS terms as Majority Leader (1981–1985). objection to the immediate consider- ARE TO BE IMPOSED.—The sanctions described I came to know Howard Baker when ation of the bill? in subsection (a) shall be imposed on any person I was making my decision to run for There being no objection, the Senate the President determines— (1) has carried out the activities described in the U.S. Senate. He listened carefully, proceeded to consider the bill. subsection (a); gave me excellent counsel, and helped Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I (2) is a successor entity to that person; steer me and my wife Karyn in the ask unanimous consent that the bill be (3) is a person that is a parent or subsidiary right direction as we made our deci- deemed read a third time, passed, the of that person if that parent or subsidiary with sion. Like so many of my colleagues motion to reconsider be laid upon the actual knowledge engaged in the activities here in the Senate, I continue to rely table, and that any statements relating which were the basis of that determination; and on his advice, and am proud to call him to the bill be placed at the appropriate (4) is a person that is an affiliate of that per- son if that affiliate with actual knowledge en- place in the RECORD. my friend. gaged in the activities which were the basis of Madam President, the Howard Baker The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that determination and if that affiliate is con- Courthouse will stand as a wonderful objection, it is so ordered. trolled in fact by that person. tribute to a dedicated and distin- So the bill (H.R. 1253) was deemed (c) PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL REGISTER.—The guished senator, Howard Baker. I urge read a third time, and passed. President shall cause to be published in the Fed- my colleagues to support this piece of f eral Register a current list of persons that are subject to sanctions under subsection (a). The legislation. IRAN OIL SANCTIONS ACT OF 1995 Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I President shall remove or add the names of per- Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous sons to the list published under this subsection ask unanimous consent that the bill be as may be necessary. deemed read a third time, passed, the consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar (d) EXCEPTIONS.—The President shall not be motion to reconsider be laid upon the required to apply or maintain the sanctions table, and that any statements relating No. 280, S. 1228. under subsection (a)— to the bill be placed at the appropriate The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (1) to products or services provided under con- place in the RECORD. clerk will report. tracts entered into before the date on which the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The assistant legislative clerk read President publishes his intention to impose the objection, it is so ordered. as follows: sanction; or A bill (S. 1228) to impose sanctions on for- (2) to medicines, medical supplies, or other hu- So the bill (H.R. 2547) was deemed manitarian items. read a third time and passed. eign persons exporting petroleum products, natural gas, or related technology to Iran. SEC. 5. DESCRIPTION OF SANCTIONS. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The sanctions to be imposed on a person ROMANO L. MAZZOLI FEDERAL objection to the immediate consider- under section 4(a) are as follows: BUILDING DESIGNATION ACT (1) EXPORT-IMPORT BANK ASSISTANCE FOR EX- ation of the bill? PORTS TO SANCTIONED PERSONS.—The President Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I There being no objection, the Senate may direct the Export-Import Bank of the Unit- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- proceeded to consider the bill which ed States not to guarantee, insure, extend cred- ate proceed to the immediate consider- had been reported from the Committee it, or participate in the extension of credit in ation of calendar No. 289, H.R. 965. on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- connection with the export of any goods or serv- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The fairs, with an amendment to strike all ices to any sanctioned person. (2) EXPORT SANCTION.—The President may clerk will report. after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following: order the United States Government not to issue The assistant legislative clerk read any specific license and not to grant any other as follows: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. specific permission or authority to export any This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Iran Oil Sanc- A bill (H.R. 965) to designate the Federal goods or technology to a sanctioned person tions Act of 1995’’. building located at 600 Martin Luther King, under— Jr., Place in Louisville, Kentucky, as the SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (A) the Export Administration Act of 1979; ‘‘Romano L. Mazzoli Federal Building.’’ The Congress makes the following findings: (B) the Arms Export Control Act; (1) The efforts of the Government of Iran to (C) the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; or The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there acquire weapons of mass destruction and the (D) any other statute that requires the prior objection to the immediate consider- means to deliver them and its support of inter- review and approval of the United States Gov- ation of the bill? national terrorism endanger the national secu- ernment as a condition for the exportation of There being no objection, the Senate rity and foreign policy interests of the United goods and services, or their re-export, to any proceeded to consider the bill. States and those countries with which it shares person designated by the President under sec- Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I common strategic and foreign policy objectives. tion 4(a). ask unanimous consent that the bill be (2) The objective of preventing the prolifera- (3) LOANS FROM UNITED STATES FINANCIAL IN- tion of weapons of mass destruction and inter- deemed read a third time, passed, the STITUTIONS.—The United States Government national terrorism through existing multilateral may prohibit any United States financial insti- motion to reconsider be laid upon the and bilateral initiatives requires additional ef- tution from making any loan or providing any table, and that any statement relating forts to deny Iran the financial means to sus- credit to any sanctioned person in an amount to the bill be placed at the appropriate tain its nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile exceeding $10,000,000 in any 12-month period (or place in the RECORD. weapons programs. two or more loans of more than $5,000,000 each The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SEC. 3. DECLARATION OF POLICY. in such period) unless such person is engaged in objection, it is so ordered. The Congress declares that it is the policy of activities to relieve human suffering within the So the bill (H.R. 965) was deemed read the United States to deny Iran the ability to meaning of section 203(b)(2) of the International a third time, and passed. support international terrorism and to fund the Emergency Economic Powers Act. development and acquisition of weapons of mass (4) PROHIBITIONS ON FINANCIAL INSTITU- f destruction and the means to deliver them by TIONS.—The following prohibitions may be im- DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO limiting the development of petroleum resources posed against financial institutions sanctioned BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REF- in Iran. under section 4(a): (A) DESIGNATION AS PRIMARY DEALER.—Nei- UGE DESIGNATION ACT SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS. (a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub- ther the Board of Governors of the Federal Re- Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I section (d), the President shall impose one or serve System nor the Federal Reserve Bank of ask unanimous consent the Senate pro- more of the sanctions described in section 5 on New York may designate, or permit the continu- ceed to the immediate consideration of a person subject to this section (in this Act re- ation of any prior designation of, such financial calendar No. 290, H.R. 1253. ferred to as a ‘‘sanctioned person’’), if the Presi- institution as a primary dealer in United States dent determines that the person has, with ac- Government debt instruments. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (B) GOVERNMENT FUNDS.—Such financial in- clerk will report. tual knowledge, on or after the date of enact- ment of this Act, made an investment of more stitution shall not serve as agent of the United The assistant legislative clerk read than $40,000,000 (or any combination of invest- States Government or serve as repository for as follows: ments of at least $10,000,000 each, which in the United States Government funds. A bill (H.R. 1253) to rename the San Fran- aggregate exceeds $40,000,000 in any 12-month SEC. 6. ADVISORY OPINIONS. cisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge as the period), that significantly and materially con- The Secretary of State may, upon the request Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National tributed to the development of petroleum re- of any person, issue an advisory opinion, to Wildlife Refuge. sources in Iran. that person as to whether a proposed activity by S 19016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 that person would subject that person to sanc- SEC. 8. TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tions under this Act. Any person who relies in The sanctions requirement of section 4 shall clerk will report. good faith on such an advisory opinion which no longer have force or effect if the President The assistant legislative clerk read states that the proposed activity would not sub- determines and certifies to the appropriate con- as follows: ject a person to such sanctions, and any person gressional committees that Iran— who thereafter engages in such activity, may (1) has ceased its efforts to design, develop, The Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. not be made subject to such sanctions on ac- manufacture, or acquire— SANTORUM), for Mr. KENNEDY, for himself and count of such activity. (A) a nuclear explosive device or related mate- Mr. D’AMATO, proposes an amendment num- bered 3106. SEC. 7. DURATION OF SANCTIONS; PRESIDENTIAL rials and technology; WAIVER. (B) chemical and biological weapons; or Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I (a) DELAY OF SANCTIONS.— (C) ballistic missiles and ballistic missile ask unanimous consent that the read- (1) CONSULTATIONS.—If the President makes a launch technology; and ing of the amendment be dispensed determination described in section 4(a) with re- (2) has been removed from the list of state with. spect to a foreign person, the Congress urges the sponsors of international terrorism under sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without President to initiate consultations immediately tion 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of with the government with primary jurisdiction 1979. objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: over that foreign person with respect to the im- SEC. 9. REPORT REQUIRED. position of sanctions pursuant to this Act. The President shall ensure the continued At the end of the bill, add the following (2) ACTIONS BY GOVERNMENT OF JURISDIC- transmittal to Congress of reports describing— new section: TION.—In order to pursue such consultations (1) the nuclear and other military capabilities SEC. . APPLICATION OF THE ACT TO LIBYA. with that government, the President may delay of Iran, as required by section 601(a) of the Nu- The sanctions of this Act, including the imposition of sanctions pursuant to this Act for clear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 and section terms and conditions for the imposition, du- up to 90 days. Following such consultations, the 1607 of the National Defense Authorization Act, ration, and termination of sanctions, shall President shall immediately impose a sanction Fiscal Year 1993; and apply to persons making investments for the or sanctions unless the President determines (2) the support provided by Iran for acts of development of petroleum resources in Libya and certifies to the Congress that the govern- international terrorism, as part of the Depart- in the same manner as those sanctions apply ment has taken specific and effective actions, ment of State’s annual report on international under this Act to persons making invest- including, as appropriate, the imposition of ap- terrorism. ments for such development in Iran. propriate penalties, to terminate the involve- SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. Mr. D’AMATO. Madam President, I ment of the foreign person in the activities that As used in this Act: rise in support of the Kennedy- resulted in the determination by the President (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- pursuant to section 4(a) concerning such per- D’Amato amendment to S. 1228, the TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1995. son. committees’’ means the Committees on Banking, (3) ADDITIONAL DELAY IN IMPOSITION OF SANC- What can one say about Libya. It has Housing, and Urban Affairs and Foreign Rela- TIONS.—The President may delay the imposition now been over 4 years since the United tions of the Senate and the Committees on of sanctions for up to an additional 90 days if Banking and Financial Services and Inter- States indicted two Libyan agents, the President determines and certifies to the national Relations of the House of Representa- Lamen Khalifa Fhimah and Abdel Bas- Congress that the government with primary ju- tives. set Ali Megrahi, for responsibility in risdiction over the foreign person is in the proc- (2) FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘finan- the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in ess of taking the actions described in paragraph cial institution’’ includes— December 1988. So far there has been no (2). (A) a depository institution (as defined in sec- (4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 action, no surrender of these men. We tion 3(c)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance days after making a determination under sec- must answer the cry for justice by the Act), including a branch or agency of a foreign tion 4(a), the President shall submit to the Com- families of the 270 victims of this ter- bank (as defined in section 1(b)(7) of the Inter- mittee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs national Banking Act of 1978); rorist attack, 189 of them Americans, of the Senate and the Committee on Inter- (B) a credit union; with 35 from New York State. national Relations of the House of Representa- (C) a securities firm, including a broker or For us to add Libya to a bill placing tives a report which shall include information dealer; sanctions on those countries which on the status of consultations with the appro- (D) an insurance company, including an priate foreign government under this subsection, seek to develop Iran’s petroleum re- agency or underwriter; and the basis for any determination under para- sources is, I feel, a justified action. We (E) any other company that provides financial graph (3). must send the message that terrorism, services; or (b) DURATION OF SANCTIONS..—The require- sponsorship of terrorism, and those (F) any subsidiary of such financial institu- ment to impose sanctions pursuant to section tion. who subsidize terrorism will not be ig- 4(a) shall remain in effect until the President (3) INVESTMENT.—The term ‘‘investment’’ nored. determines that the sanctioned person is no means— Mu’ammar Qadhafi brazenly dis- longer engaging in the activity that led to the (A) the entry into a contract that includes re- misses the indictment while at the imposition of sanctions. sponsibility for the development of petroleum re- (c) PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER.—(1) The President same time pounding his chest, bragging sources located in Iran, or the entry into a con- may waive the requirement in section 4(a) to im- to the world that he has again with- tract providing for the general supervision and pose a sanction or sanctions on a person in sec- stood American aggression. His offer to guarantee of another person’s performance of tion 4(b), and may waive the continued imposi- try the two agents in a Libyan court is such a contract; tion of a sanction or sanctions under subsection (B) the purchase of a share of ownership in a mockery of justice and an insult to (b) of this section, 15 days after the President that development; or the families of the victims. determines and so reports to the Committee on (C) the entry into a contract providing for Just yesterday, a Scottish business- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the participation in royalties, earnings, or profits in man was charged in a Boston court Senate and the Committee on International Re- that development, without regard to the form of lations of the House of Representatives that it is with violating the U.S. embargo on the participation. important to the national interest of the United Libya by attempting to export over (4) PERSON.—The term ‘‘person’’ means a nat- States to exercise such waiver authority. 250,000 dollars’ worth of computers and ural person as well as a corporation, business (2) Any such report shall provide a specific related equipment. This is only further association, partnership, society, trust, any and detailed rationale for such determination, other nongovernmental entity, organization, or proof that Qadhafi is still up to his old including— group, and any governmental entity operating games and is trying to flaunt our sanc- (A) a description of the conduct that resulted tions against him. in the determination; as a business enterprise, and any successor of (B) in the case of a foreign person, an expla- any such entity. I want to discuss, very briefly, the nation of the efforts to secure the cooperation of (5) PETROLEUM RESOURCES.—The term ‘‘petro- amount of oil that the Organization for the government with primary jurisdiction of the leum resources’’ includes petroleum and natural Economic Cooperation and Develop- sanctioned person to terminate or, as appro- gas resources. ment [OECD] countries buy from priate, penalize the activities that resulted in AMENDMENT NO. 3106 Libya. According to the Energy De- the determination; (Purpose: To deter investment in the partment, OECD countries bought over (C) an estimate as to the significance of the development of Libya’s petroleum resources) $7 billion in oil from Libya in 1994. The investment to Iran’s ability to develop its petro- Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I worst offenders were Italy, with over $3 leum resources; and (D) a statement as to the response of the Unit- send an amendment to the desk in be- billion and Germany with over $1 bil- ed States in the event that such person engages half of Senators KENNEDY and lion. in other activities that would be subject to sec- D’AMATO, and I ask for its consider- As far as how this legislation would tion 4(a). ation. effect Libya, one need only look at the December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19017 contracts signed by European firms in international oil embargo, and our pro- tering into contracts for the financing the last few years. Just in August, a posals have had the strong support of or the overall supervision and manage- Spanish company Repsol, awarded a both Senator D’AMATO and Senator ment of the petroleum resources of Cypriot company a $155 million con- HELMS. Iran. tract to build a crude oil pipeline in Because of Libya’s earlier well- On May 8, President Clinton issued Libya. Furthermore, European compa- known support for terrorism, the Unit- another Executive order that imposed nies such as Agip—Italy, Total— ed States imposed our own oil embargo significant new economic sanctions on France, Petrofina—Belgium, OMV— against Libya during the Reagan ad- Iran, including a prohibition on trading Austria, and Veba—Germany, have all ministration in 1986, 2 years before the in goods or services of Iranian origin, a signed contracts for upstream activi- Pan Am bombing. Our efforts since the ban on exports to Iran, and a ban on ties in Libya and would be affected by Pan Am bombing to persuade other na- new investment or bank loans to Iran. this bill. tions to join the oil embargo have not The new prohibitions applied to U.S. While the focus of the underlying bill succeeded, primarily because several persons, wherever they may be, includ- has been Iran and an attempt to stop European countries purchase oil from ing the foreign branches of U.S. enti- the subsidizing of Iranian terrorism, I Libya and refuse to support such a ties. cannot see why we should not seek to measure. The Clinton administration also prevent the subsidizing of Libyan ter- Additional sanctions on Libya are es- urged other countries to support Unit- rorism at the same time? More impor- sential if we are to have any chance of ed States efforts to pressure Iran eco- tantly, who is to say that the attack bringing the terrorists to trial. This nomically and persuaded our G7 allies on Pan Am 103 was not directed by Iran bill offers an effective opportunity to to avoid any collaboration with Iran and conducted by the Libyans. If this enact such sanctions. that might help that country develop a were the case, than we will get two ter- According to experts familiar with nuclear weapons capability. A number rorist states with one bill. oil production investment in Libya, of foreign corporations, however, are There can be no rest until the indi- this action may very well affect the in- supporting Iran’s efforts to increase its viduals who ordered, directed, and paid vestment plans of numerous foreign oil oil and gas production. S. 1228 seeks to for the commission of the terrible companies. persuade such companies from assist- crime of the bombing of Pan Am Fight as in the case of Iran, this amend- ing Iran as the latter uses its oil and 103 are brought to justice, no matter ment will not prevent any foreign com- gas revenues to fund behavior harmful where they may be located. The inves- panies from doing business in Libya. to the international community. tigation of the bombing must continue But they will not be able to do so with At the Banking Committee’s October to be vigorously and intensively pur- the benefit of U.S. assistance. 11 hearing on S. 1228, Under Secretary sued. Libya, with a long and docu- This Christmas season is a very dif- of State Tarnoff told the committee mented history of obscene violations of ficult time for the families of the vic- that a straight line links Iran’s oil in- human rights and international law, tims of Pan Am flight 103. We cannot come and its ability to sponsor terror- must pay the price for its part in this bring back their loved ones. What we ism, build weapons of mass destruc- slaughter and its past support for other can do is take every available step to tion, and acquire sophisticated arma- international terrorist acts. see that the terrorists charged with ments. He also told us that the admin- It is for this reason, that I enthu- committing this atrocity are finally at istration was making great efforts to siastically agree with the Senator from long last brought to justice. This is one persuade other nations to cooperate Massachusetts and am glad to have such step, and I urge the Senate to sup- with our embargo of Iran. He expressed worked with him on this issue. port it. concerns, however, that we not enact Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I Mr. SARBANES. Madam President, I legislation that would make it more offer an amendment to apply the sanc- rise in support of S. 1228, the Iran Oil difficult to get that cooperation. Chair- tions in this legislation to Libya. Sanctions Act of 1995. This bill would man D’AMATO assured Under Secretary I support the pending bill which is in- put sanctions on foreign companies Tarnoff that he wanted to work with tended to provide a stronger deterrent that invest in Iran and thereby help the administration in crafting legisla- to the development of nuclear weapons that country develop its oil and gas re- tion that would persuade foreign com- by Iran by applying economic sanc- sources. The increased revenue from panies to cooperate with our embargo tions to those in other countries who such enhanced oil production augments of Iran. substantially assist Iran in Oil produc- Iran’s ability to fund its development Prior to the December 12 committee tion. of nuclear weapons and its support for markup of S. 1228, Chairman D’AMATO, My amendment extends the same international terrorism. Senator BOXER, myself, and other sanctions to those who help Libya in Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, members of the committee worked oil production. Its purpose is to use American administrations with bipar- with the administration to develop a stronger economic sanctions to encour- tisan congressional support have used bill the administration could endorse. age the Government of Libya to turn economic sanctions to hinder Iran’s Agreement was reached and on Decem- over the two suspects indicted for the support for international terrorism and ber 12, the committee adopted a sub- terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight to make it harder for that country to stitute version of S. 1228 that President 103. get materials and revenues to strength- Clinton supports. On December 21, 1988, 7 years ago to- en its nuclear and conventional weap- It does not target trade but rather morrow, in one of the worst terrorist ons programs. new investment contracts that enhance atrocities in recent years, Pan Am Earlier this year, just prior to the Iran’s ability to produce oil and gas. Flight 103 was blown up over Banking Committee’s March 16 hearing The bill also provides the President the Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 citi- on our country’s economic relations necessary flexibility to determine the zens of 21 nations, including 189 Ameri- with Iran, the committee learned that best mix of sanctions in a particular cans. then existing restrictions on such rela- case, and to waive the imposition, or In November 1991, two Libyan na- tions did not prohibit the Conoco Co. continued imposition, of sanctions tional were indicted for carrying out from signing a contract with Iran to when he determines it is important to that bombing. Despite U.N. economic develop a huge offshore oil field in the the national interest to do so. In using sanctions which have been in force Persian Gulf. The Clinton administra- these authorities, the President is di- since 1992, the Government of Libya tion immediately announced that while rected to consider factors such as the has refused to turn over the suspects, Conoco’s actions were not illegal, they significance of an investment, the pros- and the two suspects remain in Libya were inconsistent with our policy of pects of cooperation with other govern- under the protection of Colonial Qa- bringing pressure on Iran, both politi- ments, U.S. international commit- dhafi. cally and economically to change its ments, and the effect of sanctions on Many of us on both sides of the aisle unacceptable behavior. The President U.S. economic interests and regional have called for stronger international then on March 15 issued an Executive policies. Finally, S. 1228 authorizes the sanctions against Libya, including an order prohibiting U.S. persons from en- Secretary of State to provide advisory S 19018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 opinions on whether a proposed activ- (2) is a successor entity to that person; person to sanctions under this Act. Any per- ity would be covered to avoid unneces- (3) is a person that is a parent or subsidi- son who relies in good faith on such an advi- sary uncertainty on the part of compa- ary of that person if that parent or subsidi- sory opinion which states that the proposed ary with actual knowledge engaged in the activity would not subject a person to such nies and friction with allies. sanctions, and any person who thereafter en- This bill was reported out of commit- activities which were the basis of that deter- mination; and gages in such activity, may not be made sub- tee by a vote of 15 to 0. It is a bill I sup- (4) is a person that is an affiliate of that ject to such sanctions on account of such ac- port because it will make it more dif- person if that affiliate with actual knowl- tivity. ficult for Iran to fund its efforts to de- edge engaged in the activities which were SEC. 7. DURATION OF SANCTIONS; PRESIDENTIAL velop weapons of mass destruction and the basis of that determination and if that WAIVER. its support for international terrorism. affiliate is controlled in fact by that person. (a) DELAY OF SANCTIONS.— I urge its enactment. (c) PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL REGISTER.— (1) CONSULTATIONS.—If the President Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I The President shall cause to be published in makes a determination described in section ask unanimous consent that the the Federal Register a current list of persons 4(a) with respect to a foreign person, the Congress urges the President to initiate con- amendment be considered read and that are subject to sanctions under sub- section (a). The President shall remove or sultations immediately with the government agreed to, the committee amendment add the names of persons to the list pub- with primary jurisdiction over that foreign be agreed to, the bill be deemed a third lished under this subsection as may be nec- person with respect to the imposition of time, passed, the motion to reconsider essary. sanctions pursuant to this Act. be laid upon the table, and any state- (d) EXCEPTIONS.—The President shall not (2) ACTIONS BY GOVERNMENT OF JURISDIC- ments relating to the bill be placed at be required to apply or maintain the sanc- TION.—In order to pursue such consultations the appropriate place in the RECORD. tions under subsection (a)— with that government, the President may The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (1) to products or services provided under delay imposition of sanctions pursuant to objection, it is so ordered. contracts entered into before the date on this Act for up to 90 days. Following such So the amendment (No. 3106) was which the President publishes his intention consultations, the President shall imme- diately impose a sanction or sanctions unless agreed to. to impose the sanction; or (2) to medicines, medical supplies, or other the President determines and certifies to the So the committee amendment was humanitarian items. Congress that the government has taken spe- agreed to. cific and effective actions, including, as ap- So the bill (S. 1228), as amended, was SEC. 5. DESCRIPTION OF SANCTIONS. The sanctions to be imposed on a person propriate, the imposition of appropriate pen- deemed read for a third time, and under section 4(a) are as follows: alties, to terminate the involvement of the passed, as follows: (1) EXPORT-IMPORT BANK ASSISTANCE FOR foreign person in the activities that resulted S. 1228 EXPORTS TO SANCTIONED PERSONS.—The Presi- in the determination by the President pursu- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- dent may direct the Export-Import Bank of ant to section 4(a) concerning such person. resentatives of the United States of America in the United States not to guarantee, insure, (3) ADDITIONAL DELAY IN IMPOSITION OF Congress assembled, extend credit, or participate in the extension SANCTIONS.—The President may delay the imposition of sanctions for up to an addi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. of credit in connection with the export of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Iran Oil any goods or services to any sanctioned per- tional 90 days if the President determines Sanctions Act of 1995’’. son. and certifies to the Congress that the gov- ernment with primary jurisdiction over the SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (2) EXPORT SANCTION.—The President may foreign person is in the process of taking the The Congress makes the following findings: order the United States Government not to actions described in paragraph (2). (1) The efforts of the Government of Iran issue any specific license and not to grant (4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 to acquire weapons of mass destruction and any other specific permission or authority to days after making a determination under the means to deliver them and its support of export any goods or technology to a sanc- section 4(a), the President shall submit to international terrorism endanger the na- tioned person under— the Committee on Banking, Housing and tional security and foreign policy interests (A) the Export Administration Act of 1979; Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Commit- of the United States and those countries (B) the Arms Export Control Act; tee on International Relations of the House with which it shares common strategic and (C) the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; or of Representatives a report which shall in- foreign policy objectives. (D) any other statute that requires the clude information on the status of consulta- (2) The objective of preventing the pro- prior review and approval of the United tions with the appropriate foreign govern- liferation of weapons of mass destruction States Government as a condition for the ex- ment under this subsection, and the basis for and international terrorism through existing portation of goods and services, or their re- any determination under paragraph (3). multilateral and bilateral initiatives re- export, to any person designated by the President under section 4(a). (b) DURATION OF SANCTIONS..—The require- quires additional efforts to deny Iran the fi- ment to impose sanctions pursuant to sec- (3) LOANS FROM UNITED STATES FINANCIAL nancial means to sustain its nuclear, chemi- tion 4(a) shall remain in effect until the INSTITUTIONS.—The United States Govern- cal, biological, and missile weapons pro- President determines that the sanctioned grams. ment may prohibit any United States finan- cial institution from making any loan or person is no longer engaging in the activity SEC. 3. DECLARATION OF POLICY. that led to the imposition of sanctions. providing any credit to any sanctioned per- The Congress declares that it is the policy (c) PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER.—(1) The Presi- of the United States to deny Iran the ability son in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 in any dent may waive the requirement in section to support international terrorism and to 12-month period (or two or more loans of 4(a) to impose a sanction or sanctions on a fund the development and acquisition of more than $5,000,000 each in such period) un- person in section 4(b), and may waive the weapons of mass destruction and the means less such person is engaged in activities to continued imposition of a sanction or sanc- to deliver them by limiting the development relieve human suffering within the meaning tions under subsection (b) of this section, 15 of petroleum resources in Iran. of section 203(b)(2) of the International days after the President determines and so SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS. Emergency Economic Powers Act. reports to the Committee on Banking, Hous- (a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in (4) PROHIBITIONS ON FINANCIAL INSTITU- ing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the subsection (d), the President shall impose TIONS.—The following prohibitions may be Committee on International Relations of the one or more of the sanctions described in imposed against financial institutions sanc- House of Representatives that it is impor- section 5 on a person subject to this section tioned under section 4(a): tant to the national interest of the United (in this Act referred to as a ‘‘sanctioned per- (A) DESIGNATION AS PRIMARY DEALER.—Nei- States to exercise such waiver authority. son’’), if the President determines that the ther the Board of Governors of the Federal (2) Any such report shall provide a specific person has, with actual knowledge, on or Reserve System nor the Federal Reserve and detailed rationale for such determina- after the date of enactment of this Act, made Bank of New York may designate, or permit tion, including— an investment of more than $40,000,000 (or the continuation of any prior designation of, (A) a description of the conduct that re- any combination of investments of at least such financial institution as a primary deal- sulted in the determination; $10,000,000 each, which in the aggregate ex- er in United States Government debt instru- (B) in the case of a foreign person, an ex- ceeds $40,000,000 in any 12-month period), ments. planation of the efforts to secure the co- that significantly and materially contrib- (B) GOVERNMENT FUNDS.—Such financial operation of the government with primary uted to the development of petroleum re- institution shall not serve as agent of the jurisdiction of the sanctioned person to ter- sources in Iran. United States Government or serve as repos- minate or, as appropriate, penalize the ac- (b) PERSONS AGAINST WHICH THE SANCTIONS itory for United States Government funds. tivities that resulted in the determination; ARE TO BE IMPOSED.—The sanctions de- SEC. 6. ADVISORY OPINIONS. (C) an estimate as to the significance of scribed in subsection (a) shall be imposed on The Secretary of State may, upon the re- the investment to Iran’s ability to develop any person the President determines— quest of any person, issue an advisory opin- its petroleum resources; and (1) has carried out the activities described ion, to that person as to whether a proposed (D) a statement as to the response of the in subsection (a); activity by that person would subject that United States in the event that such person December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19019 engages in other activities that would be development of petroleum resources in Libya There being no objection, the Senate subject to section 4(a). in the same manner as those sanctions apply proceeded to consider the bill. under this Act to persons making invest- SEC. 8. TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS. AMENDMENT NO. 3107 The sanctions requirement of section 4 ments for such development in Iran. (Purpose: To provide clarification in the re- shall no longer have force or effect if the So the title was amended so as to imbursement to States for federally funded President determines and certifies to the ap- read: employees carrying out Federal programs propriate congressional committees that during the lapse in appropriations between Iran— A bill to deter investment in the de- November 14, 1995, through November 19, (1) has ceased its efforts to design, develop, velopment of Iran’s petroleum re- 1995) manufacture, or acquire— sources. Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I (A) a nuclear explosive device or related f materials and technology; send an amendment to the desk and (B) chemical and biological weapons; or UNANIMOUS-CONSENT ask for its consideration. (C) ballistic missiles and ballistic missile AGREEMENT—H.R. 665 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The launch technology; and clerk will report. (2) has been removed from the list of state Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous The assistant legislative clerk read sponsors of international terrorism under consent that the majority leader, after as follows: section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act consultation with the minority leader, The Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. of 1979. may turn to the consideration of cal- SANTORUM), for Mr. DOMENICI, (for himself SEC. 9. REPORT REQUIRED. endar No. 257, H.R. 665, the victim res- Mr. LOTT, Mr. WARNER, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. The President shall ensure the continued titution bill, and it be considered under COHEN, Mr. EXON, Mr. PRESSLER, Mrs. transmittal to Congress of reports describ- the following limitation: 1 hour of de- HUTCHISON, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. THOMAS, Mr. ing— bate on the bill equally divided be- COCHRAN, Mr. KERREY, Mr. GRASSLEY, and (1) the nuclear and other military capabili- tween the two managers; that the only Mr. HARKIN), proposes an amendment num- ties of Iran, as required by section 601(a) of bered 3107. the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 amendment in order to the bill be a substitute amendment offered by the Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I and section 1607 of the National Defense Au- ask unanimous consent that reading of thorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993; and managers; that no second-degree (2) the support provided by Iran for acts of amendments be in order to the amend- the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without international terrorism, as part of the De- ment; that, at conclusion or yielding objection, it is so ordered. partment of State’s annual report on inter- back of any debate time, the managers’ The amendment is as follows: national terrorism. amendment be agreed to; the bill then Strike out all after the enacting clause and SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. be read a third time, and the Senate As used in this Act: insert in lieu thereof the following: then proceed to a vote on passage of (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION OF REIMBURSEMENT TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional the bill, H.R. 665, without any interven- TO STATES FOR FEDERALLY FUND- committees’’ means the Committees on ing action or debate. ED EMPLOYEES. Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and I further ask unanimous consent that Section 124 of the joint resolution entitled Foreign Relations of the Senate and the if the bill is agreed to, the Senate in- ‘‘A joint resolution making further continu- Committees on Banking and Financial Serv- ing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, sist on its amendment, request a con- and for other purposes’’, approved November ices and International Relations of the ference with the House, and that the House of Representatives. 20, 1995 (Public Law 104––56) is amended by Chair to be authorized to appoint con- adding at the end thereof the following new (2) FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘fi- nancial institution’’ includes— ferees on part of the Senate. subsection: ‘‘(b)(1) If during the period beginning No- (A) a depository institution (as defined in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without vember 14, 1995, through November 19, 1995, a section 3(c)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insur- objection, it is so ordered. State used State funds to continue carrying ance Act), including a branch or agency of a f out a Federal program or furloughed State foreign bank (as defined in section 1(b)(7) of employees whose compensation is advanced the International Banking Act of 1978); MEASURE PLACED ON THE or reimbursed in whole or in part by the Fed- (B) a credit union; CALENDAR—H.R. 394 eral Government— (C) a securities firm, including a broker or Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I ‘‘(A) such furloughed employees shall be dealer; ask unanimous consent that the Fi- compensated at their standard rate of com- (D) an insurance company, including an pensation for such period; agency or underwriter; nance Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 394, and ‘‘(B) the State shall be reimbursed for ex- (E) any other company that provides finan- penses that would have been paid by the Fed- cial services; or that the bill be placed on the calendar. eral Government during such period had ap- (F) any subsidiary of such financial insti- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without propriations been available, including the tution. objection, it is so ordered. cost of compensating such furloughed em- (3) INVESTMENT.—The term ‘‘investment’’ f ployees, together with interest thereon due means— under section 6503(d) of title 31, United (A) the entry into a contract that includes CLARIFICATION OF REIMBURSE- States Code; and responsibility for the development of petro- MENT TO STATES FOR FEDER- ‘‘(C) the State may use funds available to leum resources located in Iran, or the entry ALLY FUNDED EMPLOYEES the State under such Federal program to re- into a contract providing for the general su- imburse such State, together with interest pervision and guarantee of another person’s Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I thereon due under section 6503(d) of title 31, performance of such a contract; ask unanimous consent that the Gov- United States Code. (B) the purchase of a share of ownership in ernmental Affairs Committee be dis- ‘‘(2) For purposes of this subsection, the that development; or charged from further consideration of term ‘State’ shall have the meaning as such (C) the entry into a contract providing for S. 1429 and, further, that the Senate term is defined under the applicable Federal participation in royalties, earnings, or prof- proceed to its immediate consider- program under paragraph (1).’’. its in that development, without regard to ation. Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, on the form of the participation. November 28, I introduced legislation (4) PERSON.—The term ‘‘person’’ means a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without natural person as well as a corporation, busi- objection, it is so ordered. to fix an inadvertent effect of the 6-day ness association, partnership, society, trust, The clerk will report. Government shutdown between Novem- any other nongovernmental entity, organiza- The assistant legislative clerk read ber 14 through November 19, 1995. That tion, or group, and any governmental entity as follows: bill, S. 1429, with the amendment that operating as a business enterprise, and any A bill (S. 1429) a bill to provide clarifica- I currently am introducing, will allow successor of any such entity. tion in the reimbursement to States for fed- hundreds of State employees who ad- (5) PETROLEUM RESOURCES.—The term ‘‘pe- erally funded employees carrying out Fed- minister the disability determination troleum resources’’ includes petroleum and eral programs during the lapse in appropria- program of the Social Security Admin- natural gas resources. tions between November 14, 1995, through No- istration and who administer voca- SEC. 11. APPLICATION OF THE ACT TO LIBYA. vember 19, 1995. The sanctions of this Act, including the tional rehabilitation programs for the terms and conditions for the imposition, du- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Department of Education to receive ration, and termination of sanctions, shall objection to the immediate consider- the pay that they lost during the Gov- apply to persons making investments for the ation of the bill? ernment shutdown. The fact that they S 19020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 were not paid was not intended, but it the continuing resolution regarding The assistant legislative clerk read has occurred, and I and those who have the payment of employees who were as follows: cosponsored this legislation are anx- subject to furlough. A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 34) to ious to fix this problem. My distin- This legislation ensures that 100 per- authorize the printing of ‘‘Vice Presidents of guished cosponsors include Senators cent federally funded State employees the United States 1789–1993.’’ LOTT, WARNER, STEVENS, COHEN, EXON, affected by the furlough receive their The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there PRESSLER, HUTCHISON, COCHRAN, BINGA- pay as Congress intended, and that objection to the immediate consider- MAN, THOMAS, KERREY, GRASSLEY, and States using their own funds to make ation of the concurrent resolution? HARKIN. up for the lack of Federal funds for There being no objection, the Senate Mr. President, the furlough pay lan- these employees are reimbursed to proceeded to consider the concurrent guage that the Congress adopted as carry out 100 percent federally sup- resolution, which had been reported part of House Joint Resolution 122, the ported functions. from the Committee on Rules and Ad- Further Continuing Resolution for Fis- I urge my colleagues to support this ministration with an amendment, as cal Year 1996, was the language that measure. follows: previous Congresses have adopted to Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, I [The part intended to be stricken is provide compensation to Federal em- ask unanimous consent that the shown in brackets, the part to be in- ployees during periods of Government amendment be agreed to, the bill be serted in italic.] closure. deemed read a third time, passed, as S. CON. RES. 34 This language was enacted to provide amended, the motion to reconsider be Whereas the United States Constitution compensation to Federal employees af- laid upon the table, and that any state- provides that the Vice President of the Unit- fected by Government closure in 1984, ments relating to the bill be placed at ed States shall serve as President of the Sen- 1986, 1987, and 1990. This language was the appropriate place in the RECORD. ate; and provided to Congress to the Adminis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whereas the careers of the 44 Americans tration to meet our stated intent that objection, it is so ordered. who held that post during the years 1789 Federal workers should not suffer a through 1993 richly illustrate the develop- So the amendment (No. 3107) was ment of the nation and its government; and loss of pay as a result of the 6-day clo- agreed to. Whereas the vice presidency, traditionally sure of the Federal Government. So the bill (S. 1429), as amended, was the least understood and most often ignored I introduced S. 1429 when it was deemed read a third time, and passed, constitutional office in the Federal Govern- brought to my attention that the lan- as follows: ment, deserves wider attention: Now, there- guage included in the Continuing Reso- S. 1429 fore, be it lution regarding the payment of com- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives concurring), pensation might not cover all employ- resentatives of the United States of America in ees who were subject to the furlough, SECTION 1. PRINTING OF THE ‘‘VICE PRESIDENTS Congress assembled, OF THE UNITED STATES, 1789–1993’’. mostly State employees paid with Fed- SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION OF REIMBURSEMENT (a) IN GENERAL.—There shall be printed as eral funds to administer Federal pro- TO STATES FOR FEDERALLY FUND- a Senate document the book entitled ‘‘Vice ED EMPLOYEES. grams. Presidents of the United States, 1789–1993’’, Section 124 of the joint resolution entitled The affected agencies and the Gen- prepared by the Senate Historical Office ‘‘A joint resolution making further continu- eral Accounting Office have reviewed under the supervision of the Secretary of the ing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, Senate. the language that I am offering as a and for other purposes’’, approved November (b) SPECIFICATIONS.—The Senate document substitute to S. 1429 and indicate that 20, 1995 (Public Law 104–56) is amended by it will fix this inadvertent con- described in subsection (a) shall include il- adding at the end thereof the following new lustrations and shall be in the style, form, sequence. It will ensure that these subsection: manner, and binding as directed by the Joint State employees receive their pay, or ‘‘(b)(1) If during the period beginning No- Committee on Printing after consultation in cases where States used their own vember 14, 1995, through November 19, 1995, a with the Secretary of the Senate. State used State funds to continue carrying funding to pay these workers, the (c) NUMBER OF COPIES.—In addition to the State can be reimbursed for those out a Federal program or furloughed State usual number of copies, there shall be print- employees whose compensation is advanced costs. ed with suitable binding the lesser of— or reimbursed in whole or in part by the Fed- (1) 1,000 copies (750 paper bound and 250 Mr. President, it was and is clearly eral Government— the intent of the Congress to pay Fed- case bound) for the use of the Senate, to be ‘‘(A) such furloughed employees shall be allocated as determined by the Secretary of eral workers and State workers who compensated at their standard rate of com- the Senate; øand¿ or administer Federal programs for the 6- pensation for such period; (2) a number of copies that does not have a day period of the Government shut- ‘‘(B) the State shall be reimbursed for ex- total production and printing cost of more down. The language I am offering will penses that would have been paid by the Fed- than $11,100. carry out this intent, and I urge my eral Government during such period had ap- propriations been available, including the Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous colleagues to adopt the bill, S. 1429, as cost of compensating such furloughed em- consent that the committee amend- amended. ployees, together with interest thereon due ment be agreed to, the resolution be Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, I under section 6503(d) of title 31, United agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, support this legislation which makes States Code; and the motion to reconsider be laid on the clear that it is the intent of Congress ‘‘(C) the State may use funds available to table, and any statements relating to that all furloughed Federal workers, the State under such Federal program to re- the resolution be placed at the appro- imburse such State, together with interest including federally funded State work- priate place in the RECORD. ers, affected by the shutdown of the thereon due under section 6503(d) of title 31, United States Code. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Federal Government receive their pay. ‘‘(2) For purposes of this subsection, the objection, it is so ordered. The Congress adopted furlough pay term ‘State’ shall have the meaning as such The concurrent resolution (S. Con. language as part of the continuing res- term is defined under the applicable Federal Res. 34), as amended, was agreed to. olution, House Joint Resolution 122, to program under paragraph (1).’’. The preamble was agreed to. provide compensation to Federal Em- f f ployees affected by the recent 6-day Government closure. THE PRINTING OF ‘‘VICE PRESI- AMENDING THE FEDERAL The continuing resolution has been DENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT OF 1971 interpreted by some to not cover all 1789–1993’’ Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous employees who were affected by the Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the Government closure. For instance, consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar there are State employees paid with 100 immediate consideration of Calendar No. 274, H.R. 2527. percent Federal funds who make dis- No. 273, Senate Concurrent Resolution The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ability determinations and administer 34. clerk will report. unemployment insurance benefits who The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The assistant legislative clerk read may not be covered by the language in clerk will report. as follows: December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19021 A bill (H.R. 2527) to amend the Federal There being no objection, the Senate motion to reconsider be laid upon the Election Campaign Act of 1971 to improve proceeded to consider the joint resolu- table, and that any statements relating the electoral process by permitting elec- tion. to the joint resolution be placed at the tronic filing and preservation of Federal Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous appropriate place in the RECORD. Election Commission reports, and for other purposes. consent that the joint resolution be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without deemed read a third time, passed, the objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there motion to reconsider be laid upon the The joint resolution (H. J. Resolution objection to the immediate consider- table, and that any statements relating 112) was deemed to have been read a ation of the bill? to the resolution be placed at the ap- third time and passed. There being no objection, the Senate propriate place in the RECORD. proceeded to consider the bill. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous objection, it is so ordered. ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, consent that the bill be deemed read a The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 110) DECEMBER 21, 1995 third time, passed, the motion to re- was deemed to have been read three consider be laid upon the table, and Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous times and passed. that any statements relating to the consent that when the Senate com- bill be placed at the appropriate place f pletes its business today, it stand in in the RECORD. BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE adjournment until the hour of 9:30 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION CITI- on Thursday, December 21; that follow- objection, it is so ordered. ZEN REGENT APPOINTMENT ACT ing the prayer, the Journal of proceed- The bill (H.R. 2527) was deemed to OF 1995 ings be deemed approved to date, no have been read a third time and passed. resolutions come over under the rule, Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous f the call of the calendar be dispensed consent that the Senate proceed to the with, the morning hour be deemed to BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE immediate consideration of Calendar have expired, and the time for the two SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION CITI- No. 277, House Joint Resolution 111. leaders be reserved for their use later ZEN REGENT APPOINTMENT ACT The PRESIDING OFFICER. The in the day. OF 1995 clerk will report. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous The assistant legislative clerk read objection, it is so ordered. consent that the Senate proceed to the as follows: Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous immediate consideration of Calendar A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 111) providing consent that at 9:30 a.m. the Senate No. 275, House Joint Resolution 69. for the appointment of Anne D’Harnoncourt turn to the consideration of House The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Joint Resolution 132, relative to the clerk will report. budget and the use of CBO assump- The assistant legislative clerk read The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tions, with a 1 hour time limit. There- as follows: objection to the immediate consider- fore, a vote will occur at approxi- A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 69) providing ation of the joint resolution? mately 10:30 a.m. for the reappointment of Homer Alfred Neal There being no objection, the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without as citizen regent of the Board of Regents of proceeded to consider the joint resolu- objection, it is so ordered. the Smithsonian Institution. tion. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous objection to the immediate consider- consent that the joint resolution be PROGRAM ation of the joint resolution? deemed read a third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the Mr. SANTORUM. For the informa- There being no objection, the Senate tion of all Senators, the Senate will proceeded to consider the joint resolu- table, and that any statements relating to the joint resolution be placed at the begin consideration of House Joint tion. Resolution 132 at 9:30. A vote will occur Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous appropriate place in the RECORD. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without at 10:30 a.m. consent that the joint resolution be Also, the Senate is expected to con- deemed read a third time, passed, the objection, it is so ordered. The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 111) sider the veto message with respect to motion to reconsider be laid upon the the securities litigation, a possible table, and that any statements relating was deemed to have been read three times and passed. continuing resolution, available appro- to the resolution be placed at the ap- priations bills and other items cleared f propriate place in the RECORD. for action. Rollcall votes are therefore The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE expected throughout the day Thursday. objection, it is so ordered. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION CITI- f The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 69) ZEN REGENT APPOINTMENT ACT was deemed to have been read three OF 1995 ORDER FOR POSTPONEMENT OF times and passed. CLOTURE VOTE f Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the Mr. SANTORUM. I further ask unani- BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE immediate consideration of Calendar mous consent that the cloture vote SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION CITI- No. 278, House Joint Resolution 112. scheduled for today be postponed to ZEN REGENT APPOINTMENT ACT The PRESIDING OFFICER. The occur at a time to be determined by OF 1995 clerk will report. the two leaders on Thursday. Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous The assistant legislative clerk read The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without consent that the Senate proceed to the as follows: objection, it is so ordered. immediate consideration of Calendar A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 112) providing Mr. EXON. Reserving the right to ob- No. 276, House Joint Resolution 110. for the appointment of Louis Gerstner as a ject, I would simply say to my col- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the league from Pennsylvania and to the clerk will report. Smithsonian Institution. Chair we have one matter that may be The assistant legislative clerk read The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there cleared tonight. It had been agreed to as follows. objection to the immediate consider- on both sides pending one telephone A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 110) providing ation of the joint resolution? call. for the appointment of Howard H. Baker, Jr., There being no objection, the Senate Mr. EXON. Madam President, could I as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of proceeded to consider the joint resolu- ask that the Senate stand in a quorum the Smithsonian Institution. tion. call for at least 10 minutes to give me The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Mr. SANTORUM. I ask unanimous a chance to get this straightened out? objection to the immediate consider- consent that the joint resolution be Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, if ation of the joint resolution? deemed read a third time, passed, the the Senator would yield, I have about S 19022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 10, 15 minutes of morning business I tinue the hard and fast negotiations Federal employees do not get their would love to do at this point. If the that have begun. But no. I have never pay, neither should we. Blocked, Senator from Pennsylvania would seen anything quite like it. stalled. And the President waits with agree, then we can do that. I saw a freshman Republican Member his pen to sign it. He supports this. His Mr. EXON. That would be fine with of the House on national television to- pay would be docked as well. So ‘‘How me, if that can be agreed to. night, all smiles. He thinks this is real- a Bill Does Not Become a Law,’’ a new Mrs. BOXER. I am sure the Senator ly fun and games. He said he did not chapter in the textbook of our chil- from Pennsylvania would accommo- care if the Government ever opened up dren—a sad new chapter. date the Senator from Nebraska. again as far as he was concerned. He Newt Gingrich has consistently Mr. SANTORUM. I have been in- would not vote to keep the Govern- blocked a House vote on this bill. I formed by the staff it does not look ment going until the President signed have to, again, say to my friends on like we will be able to clear the matter a budget he agreed with. the other side, they ought to read the the Senator suggested tonight, and we I think that representative ought to Constitution, Article I, Section 7, could do that possibly tomorrow. That read the Constitution. He may not un- which says: is what I have been informed. derstand that we have a separation of Every bill which shall have passed the Mr. EXON. The matter has not been powers and a balance of powers. The House of Representatives and the Senate, cleared on the Senator’s side? fact of the matter is, as much as this shall, before it becomes a Law, be presented I withdraw my objection. representative does not like it, Presi- to the President of the United States. * * * f dent Clinton is a Democrat and so are Imagine, we have a President and he many Members of the House and Sen- has to sign the bill. If he does not like ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT ate. The Republicans do not run the it and if he thinks it is harmful, if he Mr. SANTORUM. If there is no fur- White House or, frankly, have a work- thinks it cuts too deeply into Medicare ther business to come before the Sen- ing control over the Senate or the and Medicaid and education and the en- ate, I now ask unanimous consent that House. There are very close margins vironment, he will not sign it, he will the Senate stand in adjournment under here, and so they have to compromise. veto it. Then what happens? It does not the previous order, following the re- But this young fellow does not seem to say shut down the Government. It does marks of Senator BOXER for up to 20 have the word ‘‘compromise’’ in his vo- not say that. It says that if two-thirds minutes. cabulary. of those voting override him, the bill The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without But I will tell you one thing he has in shall become law. Everyone should objection, it is so ordered. his pocket, he has his paycheck. He has read the Constitution every once in a The Senator from California is recog- his paycheck in his pocket. He can while—especially the new freshmen nized for up to 20 minutes. demagog this issue and never feel the over there. They do not control the Mrs. BOXER. Thank you very much, pain. But the American people, who de- President of the United States of Madam President. serve to have the parks open, who de- America. Thank goodness. Thank good- f serve to have the veterans checks sent ness, or we would have a mean-spirited out, who deserve to have a functioning country. THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN Government, deserve to be able to get Now, this Government shutdown, Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I a passport, if they need it. while more limited than the first one, have waited around the floor of the They are getting hurt, inconven- has caused great hardship. National Senate tonight because I wanted to ienced. For what? For what? NEWT parks have closed; veterans benefits make a few remarks about where we GINGRICH has said several times he is checks, due next week, will not be sent; stand in this battle for some sanity going to vote to pay all these people passport offices virtually have closed, around here in the Congress. who are not going to work. What is and the program for tracking deadbeat We are now in the 5th day of our sec- going on here? What is going on? dads is not operating. So there are Federal employees, de- Swell. Where are our family values? ond Government shutdown this year. It spite NEWT GINGRICH’s comments, who Family values. But shut down the pro- seems to me if we have any obligation, are not getting paid right now. Oh, but gram that tracks the deadbeat dads, it is to keep the people’s business mov- Members of Congress, we are getting and you, Members of Congress, keep ing forward. It is totally unnecessary our pay. It is just fine and dandy. What getting your pay. to have this shutdown, but for the fact a legislative runaround my ‘‘No Budg- Lovely. Great values. Great values that there are some who want to essen- et, No Pay’’ bill has been given. And if for our kids. tially hold a legislative gun to the head I ever go into the classroom to teach a Safety inspections of new toys have of President Clinton and use the threat course in Government, I am going to stopped. Great timing. of a shutdown, indeed, the fact of a bring this chart with me. It says ‘‘No New FHA homeowner loans are not shutdown, to force him to sign a 7-year Budget, No Pay. How a Bill Does Not being processed for people who want to budget that in his opinion will harm Become a Law.’’ I have never seen a buy their first home. the American people because there are runaround like it. I have talked, on this floor, about the terribly deep cuts in Medicare, Medic- Three times—three times—Senators individuals who work for the Federal aid, education and the environment, have passed this legislation. Senator Government, who went to work for and tax increases on those people earn- DOLE supports it, Senator DASCHLE their country because they are proud ing under $30,000 a year. supports it; Republicans and Demo- to work for their country, and they So the President is not going to crats alike—approved, approved, ap- cannot even buy their kids Christmas agree to that. So there are those on the proved. Passed as an amendment to the gifts. But Members of Congress, oh, we Republican side, particularly on the D.C. appropriations bill. Unfortu- can get our kids gifts—Hanukkah gifts, House side, who believe that shutting nately, the D.C. bill is stuck and we do Christmas gifts. It is OK because we down this Government is a perfectly le- not know the fate of ‘‘No Budget, No are so important that we set ourselves gitimate way for them to express their Pay.’’ But it does not look promising. above the other working men and dissatisfaction with President Clinton Amendment to the reconciliation women of the Federal Government. for not signing this very extreme and bill—knocked out. A lot of our Federal employees are very radical budget. Amendment to the ICC sunset bill, not independently wealthy. They live The President is not going to sign it. which may come up tomorrow from paycheck to paycheck. Some fam- The American people do not want a —knocked out. ilies have two workers in them that President who will fold under that kind Who knocked it out? The Republican both work for the Federal Government, of tactic. And here we stand. No reason Congress. like Larry Drake and his wife Joan. at all. I was here on the weekend, Sun- Blocked in the House by the leader- Larry works for the Bureau of Labor day, when the Democratic side offered ship-controlled Rules Committee which Statistics, and Joan works at the Pub- an opportunity to resolve this, pass the refuses to allow a vote on it. lic Health Service. Both have been fur- resolution, the continuing resolution, Five times Congressman Dick Durbin loughed. Their family has lost 100 per- keep the Government going, and con- tried to get a vote. It is real simple. If cent of its income. They do not know if December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S 19023 they will get it back or when they will Madam President, it is this kind of He is wrong, we are making $133,000. get it back. They hope they will get it attitude that has led us to these unnec- We are making $133,000 a year and we back. They want to go to work. If this essary Government shutdowns. We are are getting our pay. And people mak- shutdown lasts long, they may not be setting ourselves above others, and ing $32,000 and $24,000 are trying to sup- able to make their mortgage payment. that is dangerous. People who do that port their families. Ray Montgomery works for the Cen- come down real hard. Ever see people Then another person said, ‘‘Good ol’ sus Bureau in Los Angeles. He is classi- like that in life who set themselves NEWT. Pay him, but not the govern- fied as an intermittent employee even apart, they think they are so special? ment workers, by golly.’’ though he works 40 hours a week, but Well, some day, they will learn to be So, people do not like this. And then he will not ever recover his back pay. humble. God has a way of doing that it went on and on, people asking Mr. Ray told my office he is so worried and so do the voters. DELAY continually. about the second shutdown he has not I continue to believe if we fail to do This is TOM DELAY, one of the leaders bought any Christmas presents for his the most basic part of our job, then we in the House. He says, ‘‘Well, Susan, family. Ray wrote to me, do not deserve to be paid. you can play all these games you want For heavens sakes, I am one paycheck I want to read from this transcript to change the subject. The point here is away from being homeless. I work hard to be from the show. Just so I put it on the that if the President was concerned a credit for my country. I try to be a good Record, this is Representative THOMAS about Federal employees and their pay, representative of Government employees for DELAY, who is the majority whip over he wouldn’t have vetoed [all these the American people. in the House of Representatives. Susan bills].’’ It is absolutely embarrassing that Rook, the MC, says, ‘‘I think PATTY And she says, ‘‘OK, but Marty’s the greatest country in the world can- brings up a really good point * * * I question * * * why don’t you go ahead not keep services going. If we want to want it go back to Representative and take a pay cut? So would you sup- argue about whether these services are ″ BOXER in the Senate who cosponsored a port the Boxer bill or no? important, that is a legitimate argu- And he says, ‘‘No, I would not. I am bill, and it was saying, ‘OK, we, the ment. Some of us might think it is not a Federal employee. I am a con- legislators, will not get paid’ * * * Her very important to have people tracking stitutional officer. My job is in the office said the bill passed unanimously deadbeat dads. Others might say, ‘‘No, Constitution. * * * ’’ in the Senate three times, but it was leave that to someone else, we should And then an audience member says, held up in the House because of NEWT not do it.’’ That is fair. That is the ‘‘But why are you not a government GINGRICH. Your response?’’ long-term discussion of what our prior- employee?″ To which Representative TOM DELAY ities are. It should not mean that in And he says, the leader, the majority says, ‘‘Look, Ms. BOXER’’—he did not the short run these hard-working peo- whip over there, ‘‘I am not a govern- say ‘‘Senator,’’ but that is OK—‘‘Ms. ple are in limbo. ment employee. I am in the Constitu- By the way, there are about 280,000 of BOXER is demagoguing this issue and tion.’’ them. That is 280,000 families. My home trying to change the subject. Ask Ms. ‘‘You are, sir,’’ says another audience county has about 215,000 people living BOXER if she voted for a balanced budg- member. in it. So there is more unemployed to- et. She did not. She does not want a And then the audience member says, night in this interim period than my balanced budget, and she’s trying to ‘‘Where is your ethics at? You’re a gov- entire home county. It is unbelievable. change the subject.’’ ernment employee. All of you are gov- You figure 280,000 workers, and many Now, No. 1, he had no idea what I ernment. All of you fall into the Fed- them are married with children. You voted for. I voted for two balanced eral Government * * * everybody gets are talking half a million people who budgets. It is in the RECORD. One was paid by the Government.’’ are probably directly impacted by this. written by BILL BRADLEY and one writ- And then he says, Susan, why is it all Now, the Senator from Maine and I, ten by KENT CONRAD, and I support an- you want to do is talk about salaries, Senator SNOWE, have an excellent bill. other effort by the Senate Democrats, et cetera. It says Members of Congress should be CBO scored, 7 years, balance the budg- So, here you have a situation where treated the same way as the most ad- et. the leadership of the Republican House versely impacted Federal employee. We But, of course, he knows what I voted of Representatives is thrilled and de- had our efforts blocked here also. This for, I guess. So he says I was just try- lighted to shut this Government down. is a bipartisan effort here in the U.S. ing to change the subject. But the mod- They object to a very clean CR, that is Senate. The Senator from West Vir- erator does not buy it and says, ‘‘Yeah, a continuing resolution, to in fact keep ginia, Senator BYRD, said put partisan- but if Federal employees are not get- this Government running. They want ship aside. I think that is very good ad- ting their pay, or Marty—actually to put a gun to the President’s head vice. That is why I reached out to the Cathy, right behind you. Marty you and hold this Government hostage. And Senator from Maine, Senator SNOWE, were telling us a story. Now, you are a he is not going to do it. And that is and to Senator DOLE, and brought Sen- Federal employee but considered essen- where we stand tonight. ator DOLE and Senator DASCHLE both tial. What about some of your sup- Madam President, I am going to com- solidly behind this bill. plies?’’ plete my remarks, could I have just an Over on the House, a Republican Con- Answer, ‘‘Supplies aren’t available. additional 1 minute? gress has blocked it, blocked it, We work a 24-hour shift, so the fire de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Abso- blocked it, blocked it, blocked it, partment is our home for 24 hours. And lutely. blocked it, five times—stalled it. Mem- you’ve got to basically ration because Mrs. BOXER. Thank you very much. bers of Congress who go on national the money is not in our budget, be- I just hope that Members who might television practically giggling with joy cause there is no budget * * * ’’ have heard me talk tonight will begin at what they are doing, continue to This is someone in a fire department. to feel a little bit embarrassed them- bring home a pretty hefty paycheck. It And then an audience member says— selves about the situation, a little bit is embarrassing. oh, and then she says, ‘‘Marty, would ashamed about the situation, and that Now, I have to say there is a show on you feel better if they said, ‘OK, if they will not continue, over there on CNN entitled ‘‘Talk Back Live.’’ A you’re not getting your supplies, if the House side, to block the bipartisan Member of the House leadership said they’re not getting their paychecks, we ‘‘No Budget, No Pay’’ bill. But more that he opposed my bill, saying—and won’t get paid either’? Would that important, that we get this Govern- this is directly from the transcript—‘‘I make you feel at least better toward ment rolling and we sit down like am not a Federal employee.’’ Imag- all of them?’’ Meaning us Members of grown-ups, men and women, Repub- ine—who pays his check? Some private Congress. licans and Democrats, to debate the corporation? No, the Federal Govern- And the audience member says, ‘‘Ei- long-term issues. ment. But he does not consider himself ther that or else have them, you know, I know we can resolve the long-term a Federal employee. He is more impor- cut back what they were making. issues. I know that we can. There is a tant. He said, ‘‘I am not a Federal em- They’re making $100,000, I’m making, lot of room for compromise. The Con- ployee. I am a constitutional officer.’’ you know, 32.’’ stitution wants us to compromise. Our S 19024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 20, 1995 founders envisioned something like friends, you compromise to make it start working together, and solve this this. That is why they have something happen. crisis. called a veto, and a two-thirds over- So I am prayerful and I am hopeful Madam President, thank you for ride. If you cannot get that, my that we will all grow up around here, your generosity. I yield the floor. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 2429 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
PERSONAL EXPLANATION I would like to ask a number of questions: tity of a company, and of the country of a 1. Why has a list of companies supplying supplier could be suspected to be published, dual-use items to Iraq not been made public? the government would refuse access for in- HON. DEBORAH PRYCE When will a list of such companies be made vestigation of the company concerned. With- OF OHIO public? out government pressure, the supplier com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2. What is the policy of UNSCOM on the pany would tend to be even more uncoopera- publication of such a list of companies? tive. Thus, publication of data on supplier Wednesday, December 20, 1995 Does UNSCOM set policy on disclosure of companies would have a devastating effect Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, due to inclement names of companies itself, or is it acting on on the continuous and future efforts by the weather in my district, I was unavoidably de- instructions of the Security Council or mem- Special Commission to effectively block Iraq tained and not able to vote earlier this week. bers of the Security Council? from retaining or reacquiring proscribed Is it the policy of UNSCOM to defer to in- weapons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' dividual governments on the publication of These explanations should serve to set the on rollcall No. 866, ``aye'' on rollcall No. 867, such information? If so, why? background to the answer to your first ques- ``aye'' on rollcall No. 868, ``no'' on rollcall No. 3. Do you agree that the publication of tion, namely that at the present, it is not ad- 869, and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 870. such a list of companies would serve as an visable for the Special Commission to make f important deterrent on future dealings with public the names of foreign suppliers. Iraq in dual-use items? Concerning the policy of the Special Com- CORRESPONDENCE WITH ROLF What steps can be taken to bring about the mission on the publication of names of sup- EKEUS OF UNSCOM publication of such a list? pliers, I can state that the data on suppliers What additional steps can be taken to are kept safely within the Headquarters in deter future transfers of dual-use items to New York. Information concerning a supplier HON. LEE H. HAMILTON Iraq? is, as a matter of policy, shared with the OF INDIANA Thank you for your time and attention, government of the supplier-country, with re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and I look forward to your early reply. quests for further information (through With best regards, interviews with visits and/or interrogation) Wednesday, December 20, 1995 Sincerely, of the company concerned. Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, on November LEE H. HAMILTON, This policy was originally formulated by 1, 1995 I wrote to Mr. Rolf Ekeus, the Execu- Ranking Democratic Member. the Special Commission and presented in tive Chairman of the Office of the U.N. Special briefings to the Security Council. A strong UNITED NATIONS and vigorous support for the policy so de- Commission [UNSCOM] in charge of weapons SPECIAL COMMISSION, fined has been the answer to these briefings. destruction and monitoring in Iraq. My basic December 14, 1995. I agree that the publication of a list on the question was: Why doesn't UNSCOM release Hon. LEE H. HAMILTON, names of supplier companies could serve as a the names of companies providing dual-use or Ranking Democratic Member, Committee on deterrent on future dealings with Iraq in military items to Iraq? International Relations; House of Rep- dual-use items. But such a publication would Mr. Ekeus' basic answer is that UNSCOM resentatives, Washington, DC. at the same time bring an end to practically cannot carry out its weapons dismantlement DEAR CONGRESSMAN HAMILTON: Thank you all efforts of the Special Commission to get for your letter of 1 November 1995. I appre- tasks without the help of sovereign govern- indispensable support and intelligence from ciate your letting me know of your concerns the governments and information from the ments, sovereign governmentsÐoften be- and inviting me to give my response. I regret named companies. That would seriously cause of ongoing legal casesÐwant to control the delay in this letter, but I was away from compromise the task of the Special Commis- the release of information about companies, the United States much of November, prin- sion to identify and eliminate all proscribed and releasing the names of companies without cipally in the Gulf region. weapons in Iraq. the approval of sovereign governments will un- Your personal attention to our mission is When our policy was originated, it was dermine the ability of UNSCOM to carry out its highly appreciated and important as Iraq’s considered that publication of a list of names important mission. insistent efforts in retaining and reacquiring of companies could lead to certain presump- weapons of mass destruction is and should tions which might very well be unjustified. I appreciate Mr. Ekeus' response, but I am remain of public concern. Prior to the Gulf War, there was no ban on still of the belief that sunshine is a powerful Given the importance of foreign acquisi- many of the dual-use items and chemicals deterrent, and I will want to pursue this ques- tion for Iraq’s WMD programmes, the Special exported to Iraq. Furthermore, Iraq fre- tion further. Commission gives priority to the task of se- quently used agents and front companies to The text of the correspondence follows: curing as much information as possible on purchase items which were banned or con- COMMITTEE ON foreign suppliers to Iraq. It is especially im- trolled under certain multilateral export INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, portant to map out Iraq’s supplier network. control systems, and resorted to false dec- Washington, DC, November 1, 1995. In this respect, UNSCOM has so far been larations as to destination and end-user. The Hon. ROLF EKEUS quite successful, thanks very much to the supplier company, in such circumstances, Chairman, U.N. Special Commission on Iraq, support from governments of those States could have been completely ignorant of the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from which supplier companies have been op- ultimate destination of the items concerned. N.Y. erating. Each case of export to Iraq of pro- It is because of these difficulties that the DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write with respect hibited or dual-use items has to be carefully Special Commission reports the name of a to the question of companies that supplied or explored and investigated. Access to the company, which it identifies as the source of are supplying dual-use goods, services or companies concerned is crucial for the in- now proscribed items or materials in Iraq, technology to Iraq, and the use of those depth investigation. To get such access, only to the government in which that com- dual-use items in Iraq’s programs to build UNSCOM has in practice to get the approval pany is established. The government then, in weapons of mass destruction. of the government concerned. Otherwise, most cases, assists in the investigation of At the time of the creation of UNSCOM by governments would, no doubt, be upset were the circumstances, of the export concerned UN Security Council Resolution 687 in April, UNSCOM to initiate investigations without and, where those circumstances so justify, 1991, it had been my impression, from both consent on their national territory. Our ex- undertakes prosecution of the offender. The you and from U.S. officials, that the names perience is that governments are cautious in Special Commission can support such pros- of companies supplying dual-use items to providing access, and that without govern- ecution through the supply of evidence in its Iraq eventually would be made public. Thus ment support to the Commission’s investiga- possession and, in certain circumstances, far, to my knowledge, no such list has been tions, companies are at liberty to refuse through the provision of expert witnesses. made public. talking to our experts. Over time, the Spe- Prosecution of a company, which is nec- I continue to think that it is important to cial Commission has learnt that a primary essarily public, is surely the most powerful make a list of all such companies public, on concern of governments appears to be the deterrent in convincing other companies not the theory that sunshine is the best deter- question of confidentiality. This require- to engage in illegal trade. The Special Com- rent of such transfers of dual-use items in ment is applied almost on a universal basis. mission has every reason to believe that its the future. It means that if data like the name and iden- policy has led to its gaining a much wider
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. E 2430 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 20, 1995 knowledge of Iraq’s procurement networks, ed Community Fund, Chamber of Commerce, mains to be seen. I urge my colleagues to put and the names of many more suppliers, than and the Great Neck Arts Center. In addition, an end to the Republicans' pranks, and to would otherwise have been the case. The co- he is the vice-president of the Great Neck strongly urge our Republican colleagues to ne- operation with governments which has been obtained, and national prosecutions which Plaza Management Council and director of the gotiate a compassionate budget. The Amer- have or are taking place, testify to the effec- Water Authority of Great Neck North. In 1988, ican people deserve nothing less. tiveness of the policy. A complete under- Mayor Rosegarten received the Great Neck f standing of Iraq’s supplier networks is the United Community Fund's prestigious Leo M. most potent instrument in preventing the re- Friend Award for community service. RETIREMENT OF JOHN M. COLLINS activation of these networks. The Special Mayor Rosegarten's guiding tenet in public FROM THE CONGRESSIONAL RE- Commission already has evidence of certain service has been to make a positive difference SEARCH SERVICE attempts by Iraq to do so and has been able in the lives of his village's citizens. In that un- to prevent the export or to interdict the dertaking, he has dramatically succeeded. I items concerned on their way to, or upon HON. IKE SKELTON their arrival in Iraq. am most proud to join with so many in honor- OF MISSOURI In addition to measures already taken, es- ing him. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pecially those under the plans approved by f Wednesday, December 20, 1995 the Security Council, the most effective step to deter future transfers to Iraq of dual-use THE REPUBLICANS’ ATTEMPT TO Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to items would be the early adoption by the Se- DISGUISE THE PRESIDENT’S salute a distinguished servant of the Congress curity Council of a resolution approving the PROPOSAL and the Nation in the area of national defense mechanism for export/import control of Iraq and national security. On Wednesday, January designed by UNSCOM and the IAEA. Under 3, 1996, John M. Collins will retire after 221¤2 the mechanism, all states would be obliged HON. LOUIS STOKES OF OHIO years as the Senior Specialist in National De- to notify UNSCOM and the IAEA of intended fense of the Congressional Research Service, exports (including transshipment) to Iraq of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Library of Congress. Since 1972, Mr. Collins such items. The proposed mechanism has Wednesday, December 20, 1995 just been transmitted to the Security Coun- has provided authoritative, in-depth, and pro- cil where we hope for very early action. Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recogni- found analysis and advice to the Congress on I would be happy to meet with you on one tion of the Republicans' attempt to draw atten- a range of national defense issues unparal- of my visits to Washington to explain this tion away from their lifethreatening budget, by leled in its breadth and scope. matter further to you if you consider this attacking the President's budget proposal, are Mr. Collins' retirement closes a lifetime of would be useful. One of your staff could tele- trying to disguise his proposal as a legislative Government service which mirrors the tumul- phone my office at (212) 963–3018 to make ar- tuous history of the past 50-odd years. A na- rangements. measure. The President continues to be Yours sincerely, upfront with the Republicans. He has openly tive, I am proud to say, of my State of Mis- ROLF EKEUS, voiced his commitment to protecting Medicare, souri, he began his public service with his en- Executive Chairman, Medicaid, education, and the environment. listment in the U.S. Army in May 1942Ðafter Office of the Special Commission. And, the President has openly warned the being rejected by the Marine Corps, a fact he f GOP that he will veto measures which threat- reiterates with great delight and good humor en the quality of life of the American people. to numerous Marines and friends over the HONORING MAYOR ROBERT Yet, for some reason, our Republican col- years. As a young enlisted soldier he came ROSEGARTEN leagues just don't get it. What does it take for ashore over the Normandy beaches a few them to realize that they cannot hide from days after D-day, in 1944. As a captain he HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN their budget massacre. The GOP budget will served in the Korean war. As a colonel he OF NEW YORK adversely affect the lives of millions of chil- served as Chief of the Campaign Planning IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dren, seniors, the disabled, veterans, and fam- Group in General Westmoreland's head- ilies across the country. quarters in Vietnam during 1967±68Ðmanag- Wednesday, December 20, 1995 No matter how many times the Republicans ing to get involved in, and survive as the win- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today show that they can pass a measure that will ner, a point-blank shootout with a North Viet- to join with my constituents and the members devastate the lives of the American people for namese soldier in the ruins of Hue City in of the Great Neck Lawyers Association as generations to comeÐstill does not make it early 1968. they meet to present Robert Rosegarten, right. As we gather here now, to vote on the In between these wartime duties he served mayor of the village of Great Neck Plaza with Republicans' spin on the President's budget, in intelligence and contingency planning posts their most prestigious Community Service the GOP is attempting to take the American in Japan and the Middle East; training assign- Award. people through another smoke and mirror ments in the United States; commanded a bat- While maintaining an active business enter- budget maze. talion in the 82d Airborne Division; was one of prise, Mayor Robert Rosegarten established a Mr. Speaker, we do not have time for more the principal planners for the possible invasion model of civic responsibility and participation of the GOP's pranks. The time the Repub- of Cuba which, fortunately, never had to take that served to enhance the lives of all the citi- licans are wasting here today should be being place during the fateful days of the Cuban zens of Great Neck. He has received both invested in completing action on the rest of missile crisis in October±November 1962; and State and national acclaim for developing the the appropriations bills that are needed to re- graduated from the Industrial College of the economic revitalization programs in the down- open the Federal Government. If the Repub- Armed Forces. He closed his 30-year Army town shopping region of Great Neck Plaza lican budget could stand on its own merit, the career as a faculty member and chief of the and for his work to enhance the beautification GOP would not have to resort to extremist tac- strategic studies group at the National War of Great Neck Plaza. He has served as mayor tics like we see here today. This action, cou- College during 1968±72. of the village of Great Neck Plaza since 1992, pled with the Republicans' politically staged Immediately upon retirement from the Army, and as its deputy mayor for 8 years. Under his shutdown of the Federal Government, to avoid Colonel Collins joined the Congressional Re- leadership, the village of Great Neck Plaza real debate and serious negotiations on their search Service as Senior Specialist in National has emerged as an effective municipal gov- budget, is not only ridiculous, it is in fact irre- Defense. From the beginning of his CRS ca- ernment with many of its programs being rep- sponsible. reer he showed a willingness to examine fun- licated throughout New York State. The American people must be asking them- damental assumptions. One of his first CRS In his role of enhancing the village of Great selves, when will the Republicans stop playing reports examined whether the strategic nu- Neck Plaza, Mayor Rosegarten has shared his games with our lives: When will the Repub- clear triad of bombers, ground-based ICBM's, many talents with a wide array of community licans take the needs of the American people and submarine-launched ballistic missiles had organizations providing both leadership and seriously? And, most importantly, are the Re- been arrived at rationally, and whether it was creativity in addressing community concerns. publicans capable of negotiating, and passing in fact the only possible method of construct- Among his many community roles, Mayor a budget that is compassionate to children, ing U.S. strategic nuclear forces. At the height Rosegarten serves as president of the Great seniors, the disabled, veterans, and hard- of the first Arab oil embargo, in 1975, he and Neck Village Officials Organization, commis- working families? a CRS coauthor, Clyde Mark, poured cold sioner of the Great Neck Central Police Auxil- Mr. Speaker, so far the Republicans' posi- water on the idea that seizing Arab oil fields iary, and board member of Great Neck's Unit- tive response to these critical questions re- by military force would be an easy task. He December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 2431 wrote a book-length examination of overall just days ago, deals with the military aspects from one of my local papers, the New York U.S. defense planning processes, and how of NATO enlargement. Post, which sums up exactly a sentiment most they might be improved. Mr. Speaker, although John Collins is com- of us, I think, feel about Newt Gingrich. In John Collins' single greatest service to the pleting almost 54 years of total Federal serv- these times of overt partisanship, the editors Congress and the Nation, however, was pro- ice when he retires from CRS, he has no in- write that they, vided in the form of a series of book-length re- tention of remaining inactive. General [H]ope that Gingrich takes heart, stands ports, beginning in 1976 and running through Shalikashvili, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of his ground and stays the course. Opportuni- 1985, which meticulously documented the re- Staff, has had the eminent good sense to ties to change the direction in American pol- lentless military buildup and geostrategic ex- agree to provide Mr. Collins with some office itics don’t come around often; and if the Re- pansion of the Soviet Union and its client and study space at the National Defense Uni- publicans don’t succeed in disrupting busi- states in almost every category of military versity at Fort McNair. With the time he now ness as usual in Washington now, the chance power and area of the world. His comparisons will have, plus the assistance from DOD, Mr. will likely pass. of United States Soviet military forces, to- Collins intends to write books on military geog- We have no choice, for the sake of our chil- gether with the respective allies of both coun- raphy and military strategy. He will have more dren, but to balance the budget and I urge tries, demonstrated with clarity and precision time to spend with his wife Gloria, to whom he Speaker GINGRICH to continue his effort to how American military capabilities, relative to has dedicated many of his books; his son focus this nation into realizing fiscal sanity. our interests, were steadily declining, and Sean, holder of a doctorate in aeronautical [From the New York Post, Dec. 8, 1995] those of the Soviet Union were increasing. and astronautical engineering from MIT, and a THE GINGRICH INQUISITION Widely read, quoted, and debated, John Col- contributor to national defense and security in House Minority Leader David Bonior (D- lins' works on the United States-Soviet military his own right in the field of ballistic missile de- Mich.) and other congressional Democrats balance unquestionably played a role in per- fense; and his grandchildren. have been trying for more than half a decade suading the American people and their elected Few people have devoted so much of a to pin ethics violations on Speaker Newt representatives that, by the early 1980's, long life to the service of the United States as Gingrich. To this end, they and their allies major increases in United States military has John Collins. I wish him well as he enters in the land of the left leveled endless charges yet another stage of that service. against Gingrich. Indeed, over the course of forces and defense spending were required to the last 15 months, the House Ethics Com- f restore our national credibility and deter and mittee has considered 65 separate counts. prevent Soviet expansionism. This was not an OPPOSES SECURITIES LITIGATION On Wednesday, the committee ruled that easy time for John Collins. Some were not CONFERENCE REPORT VETO with respect to 64, the speaker has been com- pletely or partially exonerated. (It should be happy with what he had to say about the shift- OVERRIDE ing balance of military power in favor of the noted that one of these charges turned on Soviet Union, and he had to withstand consid- Gingrich’s book contract with HarperCollins, erable bureaucratic and political pressure to HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO a publishing concern owned by News Corp., which is also this newspaper’s corporate par- continue to do his job. However, those who OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ent.) exerted such pressure against him are gone. Only one of the 65 charges was deemed wor- He and his works remain. Wednesday, December 20, 1995 thy of further exploration by an independent By helping alert the country to the growing Mr. DE FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I strongly op- counsel. Pardon us if we suggest that this menace of Soviet military power in the late pose the motion to override the President's six-year fishing expedition has produced de- 1970's and early 1980's, Mr. Collins can also veto of the Securities Litigation Conference cidedly unimpressive results. said to have played a role in the ultimate de- Report. The committee voted to retain a special mise of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw The laws governing securities litigation can counsel to explore whether or not the speak- Pact. Without the American military resur- er violated the law by using tax-deductible certainly stand to be improved, but the lan- contributions to finance a college course he gence of the 1980's, it is difficult to see how guage of this conference report does much taught at Kennesaw State University in the Soviet military-political juggernaut of the more harm than good. This legislationÐwritten Georgia. Gingrich has expressed confidence mid and late 1970's could have been halted, by and for the large securities firmsÐis anti- that he will be fully exonerated on this turned inward, and forced to collapse of its small investor and anti-working family. seemingly narrow and highly technical own internal strains. Indeed, in October 1985, The conference report reduces consumers charge. In light of the fate of all the other only a few months after Gorbachev assumed protection. An investors ability and right to sue accusations lodged against him, it’s hard not power in the Soviet Union, he presciently sug- unscrupulous securities firms should not be to credit this possibility. Many critics on gested that ``the whole Soviet security appara- stifled or circumscribed by Congress. For ex- both sides of aisle have contended that, in tus in Central Europe is coming unraveled.''1 ample, the language includes a sweeping general, the standards for appointing inde- The thawing of the cold war and the even- pendent counsels are exceedingly low; the loser pays provision that will make it extremely Ethics Committee’s decision here would tual demise of the Soviet Union and the War- difficult for anyone without a multimillion dollar seem to confirm this observation. saw Pact in no way lessened Mr. Collins' out- trust fund to challenge a large corporation in It is worth recognizing a distinction be- put. He produced authoritative studies of mili- court. tween the ethics problems allegedly swirling tary space forces, United States and Soviet Supporters of this legislation claim that there around Gingrich and those that brought special operations forces, lessons learned is an explosion of frivolous suits. The fact is down ex-House Speaker Jim Wright, a Demo- from America's small wars, and a host of other that the number of securities class action suits crat. The latter came under investigation reports and analyses. During the Persian Gulf has shrunk over the past 20 years. During the after years of abusing his power. While Ging- war, he was frequently interviewed on national last several years, suits have been filed rich (as a back-bencher) played a leading and international radio and television, and role in the campaign against Wright, even against only 120 companies annuallyÐout of loyal Democrats—in the end—couldn’t ig- wrote numerous short analyses of possible is- over 14,000 public corporations reporting to nore the ex-speaker’s transgressions. sues and problems related to war with Iraq. At the SEC. House Democrats, by contrast, have tried one point, well over a hundred congressional The President was correct in his veto. This to demonize Gingrich ever since his success staffers gathered to listen with rapt attention to conference report goes against the interests of in that effort. And from the day the Georgia this veteran of three wars outline not the pos- working people and small investors. I sincerely Republican became speaker, the ‘‘get Newt’’ sible nature of a ground war with IraqÐnot hope that the Congress will sustain the veto campaign has been a central concern of the just in academic, and analytical terms, but that we can then enact true reform of our Na- official Democratic party leadership. how ground combat was ``close up, and per- tion's securities litigation laws. Such prejudgment suggests that what sonal, and dirty.'' Within the past few years, bothers Bonior & Co. about Gingrich has f nothing to do with whether or not tax-de- his talents have turned to as diverse a set of OPPORTUNITIES TO CHANGE ductible contributions were mistakenly used subjects as counterproliferation, U.S. to help finance his political science lectures prepositioned military equipment, nonlethal at Kennesaw State. The Democrats object to weapons, and criteria for U.S. military inter- HON. SUSAN MOLINARI the fact that Gingrich—the most able par- vention overseas. His last CRS report, finished OF NEW YORK liamentarian in recent memory—is an ener- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES getic conservative who’s mounted a serious challenge to the national ideological status 1 Collins, John M. What Have We Got for $1 Tril- Wednesday, December 20, 1995 lion? The Washington Quarterly, Spring 1986: 49, quo. based on testimony before the Defense Policy Panel, Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to Similarly, it is not the mere existence of House Armed Services Committee, October 9, 1985. commend the December 8, 1995, editorial the speaker’s political action committee, E 2432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 20, 1995 GOPAC, that disturbs the Democrats the payment of compensation and pension cation will deny critical resources to schools (though they are, in fact, urging the special benefits for our Nation's veterans and their and communities across the country. The $1.1 counsel to expand his inquiry to include families for fiscal year 1996. I am glad to see billion cut in title 1 will deny over one million some of GOPAC’s activities). What really that my colleagues on the other side of the distresses the Democratic leadership is the children the basic assistance they need in fact that Gingrich has used GOPAC to forge aisle are at least concerned about some as- math and reading. The 50 percent cut in safe a spirited GOP congressional majority that’s pect of their obligation to these patriots who and drug free schools will take away the re- serious about welfare reform, tax reduction answered the call of their Nation. sources necessary to provide children a safe, and shrinking the power of the federal gov- Despite the fact that this resolution has a crime free, and violence free classroom in ernment. noble objective, it is clearly incomplete. It sim- which to attend school. To a considerable extent, the Ethics Com- ply does not go far enough. While our veter- mittee’s willingness to order just one charge ans and their families will be somewhat com- While we take these steps to assist our vet- probed vindicates the speaker. We hope, forted by the passage of this resolution, who erans, the threat to our environment continues therefore, that Gingrich takes heart, stands will give some financial assurance to the mil- to intensify. Because the VA-HUD-and Inde- his ground and stays the course. Opportuni- lions of Americans who continue to face un- pendent Agencies appropriations bill is not ties to change the direction in American pol- itics don’t come around often; and if the Re- certain futures because Congress has not ful- completed, environmental protection and over- publicans don’t succeed in disrupting busi- filled its obligations regarding the remaining sight has come to a screeching halt. There is ness as usual in Washington now, the chance appropriations Bills? These remaining bills, no enforcement of the Nation's environmental will likely pass. which are not included in this resolution, are lawsÐlaws that protect our water and air. Pol- f so harmful and unreasonable that the Presi- luters are going unchecked everyday that the dent has had to veto them and no action has EPA is closed. Furthermore, the level of cuts HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 134 been taken by the House to improve them or proposed for EPA in the FY96 appropriations MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING continue them in a continuing resolution. bill deprives our children of clean and safe en- APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL Take for example, the Labor-HHS-Education vironment. YEAR 1996 appropriations bill. Action on this measure is still pending. While the Department of Health Mr. Speaker, the list of vital programs that HON. LOUIS STOKES and Human Services is closed, Medicare and enhance the quality of life for all Americans is far greater than just that of veterans com- OF OHIO Medicaid applications cannot be processed. pensation and pension programs. What we IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES While the Department of Labor is closed, un- employment applications cannot be proc- are doing for America's veterans tonight is the Wednesday, December 20, 1995 essed. right thing to do. We should do the right thing Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support In addition, the drastic cuts in the appropria- for all Americans and pass a clean continuing of H.J. Res. 134, a measure that will provide tions measure for the Department of Edu- resolution. Wednesday, December 20, 1995 Daily Digest Senate Dole (for Hatch) Amendment No. 3105, to re- Chamber Action quest a report on the application of the antitrust Routine Proceedings, pages S18935–S19024 laws. Page S18994 Measures Introduced: Six bills were introduced, as Ronald Reagan Building/Trade Center: Com- follows: S. 1486–1491. Page S18999 mittee on Environment and Public Works was dis- Measures Reported: Reports were made as follows: charged from further consideration of H.R. 2481, to S. 1164, to amend the Stevenson-Wydler Tech- designate the Federal Triangle Project under con- nology Innovation Act of 1980 with respect to in- struction at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, ventions made under cooperative research and devel- Northwest, in the District of Columbia, as the opment agreements, with amendments. (S. Rept. ‘‘Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade No. 104–194) Center’’, and the bill was then passed, clearing the S. 1260, to reform and consolidate the public and measure for the President. Page S18996 assisted housing programs of the United States, and Howard H. Baker U.S. Courthouse: Committee to redirect primary responsibility for these programs on Environment and Public Works was discharged from the Federal Government to States and localities, from further consideration of H.R. 2547, to des- with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. ignate the United States Courthouse located at 800 Rept. No. 104–195) Page S18999 Market Street in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the ‘‘How- Measures Passed: ard H. Baker, Jr. United States Courthouse, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the Subpoena Enforcement: By 51 yeas to 45 nays President. Pages S19014±15 (Vote No. 610), Senate agreed to S. Res. 199, direct- ing the Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil action Romano L. Mazzoli Federal Building: Senate to enforce a subpoenas and orders of the Special passed H.R. 965, to designate the Federal building Committee to Investigate the Whitewater Develop- located at 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Place in Lou- ment Corporation and Related Matters to William isville, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Romano L. Mazzoli Federal H. Kennedy, III, after taking action on amendments Building’’, clearing the measure for the President. Page S19015 proposed thereto, as follows: Pages S18939±93 Adopted: Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge: Senate (1) D’Amato Amendment No. 3101, to make a passed H.R. 1253, to rename the San Francisco Bay technical correction. Page S18985 National Wildlife Refuge as the Don Edwards San (2) D’Amato Amendment No. 3102, to make a Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, clearing the further technical correction. Page S18985 measure for the President. Page S19015 (3) D’Amato Amendment No. 3103, to amend Export Sanctions: Senate passed S. 1228, to im- the title by striking ‘‘a subpoena’’ and inserting pose sanctions on foreign persons exporting petro- ‘‘subpoenas and orders’’. Page S18985 leum products, natural gas, or related technology to Rejected: Iran, after agreeing to a committee amendment in By 45 yeas to 51 nays (Vote No. 609), Sarbanes the nature of a substitute, and the following amend- Amendment No. 3104, in the nature of a substitute. ment proposed thereto: Pages S19015±19 Pages S18985±93 Santorum (for Kennedy/D’Amato) Amendment Commission on Concentration in the Livestock No. 3106, to deter investment in the development Industry: Senate passed S. 1340, to establish a Com- of Libya’s petroleum resources. Pages S19016±18 mission on Concentration in the Livestock Industry, Reimbursements for Federally Funded Employ- after agreeing to a committee amendment in the na- ees: Committee on Governmental Affairs was dis- ture of a substitute, and the following amendment charged from further consideration of S. 1429, to proposed thereto: Pages S18994±96 provide clarification in the reimbursement to States D 1493 D 1494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 20, 1995 for federally funded employees carrying out Federal fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, to occur on programs during the lapse in appropriations between Thursday, December 21, 1995. Pages S19021±22 November 14, 1995, through November 19, 1995, Victim Restitution Act—Agreement: A unani- and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the mous-consent time agreement was reached providing following amendment proposed thereto: for the consideration of H.R. 665, to control crime Pages S19019±20 by mandatory victim restitution. Page S19019 Santorum (for Domenici) Amendment No. 3107, Nominations Received: Senate received the follow- in the nature of a substitute. Pages S19019±20 ing nominations: Printing Authority: Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. Gaston L. Gianni, Jr., of Virginia, to be Inspector 34, to authorize the printing of ‘‘Vice Presidents of General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. the United States, 1789–1993’’. Page S19020 Rita Derrick Hayes, of Maryland, for the rank of FEC Electronic Filing: Senate passed H.R. 2527, Ambassador during her tenure of service as Chief to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of Textile Negotiator. 1971 to improve the electoral process by permitting 1 Navy nomination in the rank of admiral. electronic filing and preservation of Federal Election Page S18999 Commission reports, clearing the measure for the Nomination Withdrawn: Senate received notifica- President. Pages S19020±21 tion of the withdrawal of the following nomination: Citizen Regent: Senate passed H.J. Res. 69, pro- Norwood J. Jackson, Jr., of Virginia, to be Inspec- tor General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, viding for the reappointment of Homer Alfred Neal which was sent to the Senate on January 5, 1995. as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, clearing the measure for the Page S18999 President. Page S19021 Messages From the House: Page S18998 Citizen Regent: Senate passed H.J. Res. 110, pro- Measures Placed on Calendar: Pages S18998±99 viding for the appointment of Howard H. Baker, Jr. Communications: Page S18999 as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Statements on Introduced Bills: Pages S19001±10 Smithsonian Institution, clearing the measure for the Additional Cosponsors: Page S19010 President. Page S19021 Citizen Regent: Senate passed H.J. Res. 111, pro- Amendments Submitted: Pages S19010±11 viding for the appointment of Anne D’Harnoncourt Authority for Committees: Page S19011 as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Additional Statements: Pages S19011±14 Smithsonian Institution, clearing the measure for the Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. President. Page S19021 (Total–610) Page S18993 Citizen Regent: Senate passed H.J. Res. 112, pro- Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m., and ad- viding for the appointment of Louis Gerstner as a journed at 8:54 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smith- December 21, 1995. (For Senate’s program, see the sonian Institution, clearing the measure for the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s President. Page S19021 Record on pages S18999 and S19021.) Balanced Budget: A unanimous-consent time agreement was reached providing for the consider- ation of H.J. Res. 132, affirming that budget nego- Committee Meetings tiations shall be based on the most recent technical (Committees not listed did not meet) and economic assumptions of the Congressional Budget Office and shall achieve a balanced budget PRESIDIO TRUST by fiscal year 2002 based on those assumptions, on Thursday, December 21, 1995, with a vote to occur Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded hearings on S. 594 and H.R. 1296, bills thereon. Page S18994 to create a trust within the Department of the Inte- Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations, 1996: A rior to manage, lease and finance the historical and unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing cultural inventory of the Presidio of San Francisco, for the cloture vote on a motion to proceed to the California at minimal cost to the Federal taxpayer, consideration of H.R. 2127, making appropriations and to review a map associated with the San Fran- for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human cisco Presidio, after receiving testimony from Robert Services, and Education, and related agencies, for the Chandler, General Manager, The Presidio, National December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D 1495 Park Service, Department of the Interior; Paul John- PROPERTY RIGHTS son, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for In- Committee on the Judiciary: Committee resumed mark- stallation and Housing; Curtis Feeny, Stanford Man- up of S. 605, to establish a uniform and more effi- agement Company, Menlo Park, California; and cient Federal process for protecting property owners’ Toby Rosenblatt, Glen Ellen Company, San Fran- rights guaranteed by the fifth amendment, but did cisco, California, on behalf of the Golden Gate Na- not complete action thereon, and will meet again to- tional Park Association. morrow. h House of Representatives nounces his veto of H.R. 1058, to reform Federal se- Chamber Action curities legislation, and explains his reasons there- Bills Introduced: 9 public bills, H.R. 2813–2821; for—ordered printed (H. Doc. 104–150). and 3 resolutions, H.J. Res. 134–135, and H. Res. Pages H15214±15 316 were introduced. Page H15237 Subsequently, by a yea-and-nay vote of 319 yeas Reports Filed: Reports were filed as follows: to 100 nays, with 1 voting ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 870, Conference report on H.R. 1655, to authorize ap- the House voted to override the President’s veto of propriations for fiscal year 1996 for intelligence and H.R. 1058, to reform Federal securities litigation intelligence-related activities of the United States (two-thirds of those present voting in favor)—clear- Government, the Community Management Account, ing the measure for Senate action. Pages H15215±24 and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary Appro- Disability System (H. Rept. 104–427); priations: Agreed to the Rogers motion to refer the H. Res. 317, providing for consideration of H.J. Presidential veto message and the bill, H.R. 2076, Res. 134, making further continuing appropriations making appropriations for the Departments of Com- for the fiscal year 1996 (H. Rept. 104–428); merce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and related agen- H. Res. 318, waiving points of order against the cies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, conference report on H.R. 1655, to authorize appro- to the Committee on Appropriations. priations for fiscal year 1996 for intelligence and in- Pages H15239±43 telligence-related activities of the United States Gov- ernment, the Community Management Account, and Interstate Commerce Commission Termination: the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Dis- House agreed to H. Res. 312, the rule waiving ability System (H. Rept. 104–429); and points of order against consideration of the con- Conference report on H.R. 4, to restore the Amer- ference report on H.R. 2539, to abolish the Inter- ican family, reduce illegitimacy, control welfare state Commerce Commission, and to amend subtitle spending and reduce welfare dependence (H. Rept. IV of title 49, United States Code. Pages H15243±44 104–430); Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste: House H. Res. 319, waiving points of order against the agreed to H. Res. 313, providing for the consider- conference report on H.R. 4, to restore the American ation of H.R. 558, to grant the consent of the Con- family, reduce illegitimacy, control welfare spending gress to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Dis- and reduce welfare dependence (H. Rept. 104–431); posal Compact. Pages H15244±55 and Further Continuing Resolution: By a yea-and-nay H. Res. 320, authorizing the Speaker to declare vote of 411 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 874, the House recesses subject to the call of the Chair from Decem- passed H.J. Res. 134, making further continuing ap- ber 23, 1995 through December 27, 1995 (H. Rept. propriations for the fiscal year 1996. 104–432). Pages H15224±35, H15237, H15286, H15315 Pages H15295±H15308 Speaker Pro Tempore: Read a letter from the Rejected the Obey motion to recommit the joint Speaker wherein he designates Representative Wick- resolution to the Committee on Appropriations with er to act as Speaker pro tempore for today instructions to report it back forthwith containing a Page H15209 new text that sought to provide ensured payment Presidential Veto—Securities Litigation Reform: during fiscal year 1996 of veterans’ benefits in event Read a message from the President wherein he an- of lack of appropriations for fiscal year 1996 not D 1496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 20, 1995 being available (rejected by a recorded vote of 178 yeas to 234 noes, Roll No. 873). Pages H15306±07 Committee Meetings Points of order were sustained against the follow- FURTHER CONTINUING ing motions: APPROPRIATIONS—TO ENSURE PAYMENT The Obey motion to recommit the joint resolu- OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS tion to the Committee on Appropriations with in- Committee on Rules: Granted, by a recorded vote of 11 structions to report it back forthwith containing a to 0, a closed rule providing 1 hour of debate on new text that sought to provide ensured payment H.J. Res. 134, making further continuing appropria- during fiscal year 1996 of veterans’ benefits in the tions for the fiscal year 1996. The rule provides one vent of lack of appropriations for fiscal year 1996; to motion to recommit which may only include in- provide for a pay raise for fiscal year 1996 for the structions if offered by the Minority Leader or his uniformed services; and to eliminate the disparity designee. Testimony was heard from Representatives between effective dates for military and civilian re- Hutchinson, Kennedy of Massachusetts and Moran. tiree cost-of-living adjustments for fiscal year 1996. Agreed to the Livingston motion to table the Obey CONFERENCE REPORT—INTELLIGENCE motion appealing the ruling of the Chair sustaining AUTHORIZATION ACT the point of order (agreed to by a recorded vote of Committee on Rules: Granted a rule waiving all points 236 ayes to 176 noes, Roll No. 872); and of order against the conference report to accompany Pages H15303±05 H.R. 1655, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal The Obey motion to recommit the joint resolu- Year 1996, and against its consideration. The rule tion to the Committee on Appropriations with in- provides that the conference report shall be consid- structions to report it back forthwith containing a ered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman new text that sought to ensure payment during fiscal Combest and Representative Dicks. year 1996 of veterans’ benefits in event of lack of ap- propriations for fiscal 1996; and to provide for pay PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT for Federal and District of Columbia employees dur- Committee on Rules: Granted a rule waiving points of ing lapse in appropriations for fiscal year 1996. order against the conference report on H.R. 4, to re- Pages H15305±06 store the American family, reduce illegitimacy, con- H. Res. 317, the rule under which the joint reso- trol welfare spending and reduce welfare dependence. lution was considered, was agreed to earlier by a voice vote. Agreed to order the previous question on RECESS AUTHORITY the resolution by a yea-and-nay vote of 238 yeas to Committee on Rules: Ordered reported a resolution au- 172 nays, Roll No. 871. Pages H15286±95 thorizing the Speaker to declare recesses subject to the call of the Chair from December 23, 1995 Recess: House recessed at 12:05 a.m. on December through December 27, 1995. 21 and reconvened at 12:10 a.m. Senate Messages: Messages received from the Senate COMMITTEE BUSINESS today appear on page H15209. Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Met in ex- Amendments Ordered Printed: Amendments or- ecutive session to consider pending business. dered printed pursuant to the rule appear on page H15238. Joint Meetings Quorum Calls—Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the pro- AUTHORIZATION—INTELLIGENCE ceedings of the House today and appear on pages Conferees on Tuesday, December 19, agreed to file a H15223–24, H15294–95, H15304–05, H15307, conference report on H.R. 1655, to authorize funds and H15307–08. There were no quorum calls. for fiscal year 1996 for intelligence and intelligence- Adjournment: Met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at related activities of the United States Government, 12:11 a.m. on Thursday, December 21. the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disabil- ity System. December 20, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D 1497 NEW PUBLIC LAWS COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY,
(For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D1490) DECEMBER 21, 1995 S. 1060, to provide for the disclosure of lobbying (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) activities to influence the Federal Government. Senate Signed December 19, 1995. (P.L. 104–65) Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, business f meeting, to consider pending calendar business, 9:30 a.m., SD–366. BILLS VETOED Committee on the Judiciary, business meeting, to consider H.R. 1058, to amend the Federal securities laws pending committee business, 10 a.m., SD–226. to curb certain abusive practices in private securities House litigation. Vetoed December 19, 1995. Committee on Commerce, to mark up H.R. 2036, Land Disposal Program Flexibility Act of 1995, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, to mark up an authoriza- tion for fiscal year 1996 major medical construction projects of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. D 1498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 20, 1995
Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Thursday, December 21 10 a.m., Thursday, December 21
Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will consider H.J. Res. Program for Thursday: Consideration of the following 132, affirming that budget negotiations shall be based on conference reports: the most recent assumptions of the Congressional Budget Conference report on H.R. 1655, Intelligence appro- Office, with a vote to occur thereon. priations authorization (rule waiving points of order); Senate may also resume consideration of the motion to Conference report on H.R. 4, Welfare reform (subject proceed to consideration of H.R. 2127, Labor/HHS/Edu- to a rule being granted); and cation Appropriations, 1996, with a cloture vote sched- Conference report on H.R. 2539, Interstate Commerce uled to occur thereon. Commission elimination (rule waiving points of order).
Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue
HOUSE
Ackerman, Gary L., N.Y., E2430 DeFazio, Peter A., Oregon, E2431 Hamilton, Lee H., Ind., E2429 Molinari, Susan, N.Y., E2431 Pryce, Deborah, Ohio, E2429 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E2430 Stokes, Louis, Ohio, E2430, E2432
E PL UR UM IB N U U S The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions Congressional Record of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed at one time. ¶ Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through GPO Access, a service of the Government Printing Office, free of charge to the user. The online database is updated each day the Congressional Record is published. The database includes both text and graphics from the beginning of the 103d Congress, 2d session (January 1994) forward. It is available on the Wide Area Information Server (WAIS) through the Internet and via asynchronous dial-in. Internet users can access the database by using the World Wide Web; the Superintendent of Documents home page address is http://www.access.gpo.gov/suldocs, by using local WAIS client software or by telnet to swais.access.gpo.gov, then login as guest (no password required). Dial-in users should use communications software and modem to call (202) 512–1661; type swais, then login as guest (no password required). For general information about GPO Access, contact the GPO Access User Support Team by sending Internet e-mail to [email protected], or a fax to (202) 512–1262; or by calling (202) 512–1530 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. ¶ The Congressional Record paper and 24x microfiche will be furnished by mail to subscribers, free of postage, at the following prices: paper edition, $112.50 for six months, $225 per year, or purchased for $1.50 per issue, payable in advance; microfiche edition, $118 per year, or purchased for $1.50 per issue payable in advance. The semimonthly Congressional Record Index may be purchased for the same per issue prices. Remit check or money order, made payable to the Superintendent of Documents, directly to the Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. ¶ Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. ¶ With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record.