[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 19 (Monday, February 28, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BUYOUT LEGISLATION

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, when Vice President Gore announced his 
efforts to reinvent Government everyone applauded the goal of making 
Government more efficient and costing the taxpayer less. Now, when 
faced with the opportunity to do so, the players seem to be backing 
away from the table. In fact, the House Democrats aren't even willing 
to come to the table.
  The real issue here is how serious Congress is about putting teeth 
into the recommendations of the National Performance Review. I am very 
serious. That is why I have pushed to ensure that not only downsizing 
occurs, but more importantly savings are used to benefit the American 
taxpayer.
  When the Government downsizes by 252,000 employees we should not miss 
this opportunity to fully dedicate this downsizing dividend toward an 
important goal.
  My first choice is to fund the crime bill with the savings from 
downsizing Government. If, however, that does not happen, I believe the 
only other appropriate place for those savings is to reduce the 
deficit.
  Today's Washington Post includes an article that tells a story of how 
Washington really works. Some dispute the President's idea of spending 
our downsizing dividend on fighting crime.
  The stalemate has occurred over the issue of what to do with all of 
the savings that will flow from downsizing Government. President 
Clinton has clearly stated his position. He wants to put 100,000 police 
on the street. He wants to fund a tough crime bill through savings 
created by downsizing Government. He's adopted my position.
  The Senate has also agreed with this position. My amendment to the 
bill ensures that this will happen.
  Both the House and the Senate have passed similar legislation to 
provide for these buyouts. As a long-time supporter of Governmentwide 
early out authority without buyouts, and as author of S. 797 to provide 
for such early retirements, I am astonished as to why this legislation 
has encountered its current stalemate.
  The House, unfortunately, will not even agree to call a conference on 
this legislation.
  I urge the House Democratic leadership to recognize the critical need 
for passage of this bill and either accept the Senate version or call 
for a House-Senate conference immediately.

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