[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______


                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 22, 1994

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I could not be present for the vote on the 
conference report on H.R. 3579, a bill providing for emergency 
supplemental appropriations for the Northridge earthquake, the Midwest 
floods, the California fires, and other programs. I chose to return to 
Cincinnati, following votes the previous day, due to the illness of my 
youngest son and another commitment which I made before I was advised 
that the House would be in session.
  If I had been able to vote on the conference agreement, I would have 
voted ``nay'', just as I had voted against the bill when it was 
considered by the House of Representatives on February 3, 1994. I am 
supportive of providing immediate financial assistance to help 
California and its residents recover from the Northridge earthquake. 
But I could not in good conscience, support the other nonemergency 
spending items that were attached to the very important emergency 
package for California, not least because funds to pay for them were 
not provided. They would have just added to the deficit. Loading up 
supplemental appropriations bills is one of those congressional 
traditions that must be reformed. We simply cannot continue to do 
business this way if we are going to reduce the Federal budget deficit.
  My constituents are compassionate, hardworking people. I believe most 
would think it appropriate to devote some of their tax dollars to help 
their fellow citizens in California in this time of need. However, it 
is important to ensure that we come up with the funds needed to pay for 
emergencies, rather than just adding to the deficit.

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