[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           THE CLINTONS' PERSONAL ATTACKS ARE BELOW THE BELT

  (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am personally offended by the First 
Couple's remarks on the crime bill over the past few days.
  First, on Thursday night, the President suggested that I and my 
colleagues who voted against the rule did so to put our own political 
interests ahead of the Nation's security. Then on Sunday, he implied 
that we voted against the will of God. Finally, on Monday, the First 
Lady said that we ``don't seem to care that our children don't feel 
safe in school.''
  Mr. Speaker, this is outrageous. Every Member of this body--
regardless of party--regardless of their vote on the rule--cares deeply 
about the personal safety of their constituents.
  It is out of line and just plain wrong for the First Couple to 
suggest otherwise.
  This is not a debate about motives, it is a debate about policy. Let 
us talk about using some of that pork money to put more cops on the 
street. Let us talk about strengthening the sexual predator provisions. 
Let us talk about getting rid of the provisions which would release 
thousands of drug dealers from prison.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to lift this debate to an honest level. We owe 
it to the American public. But we cannot unless the President and First 
Lady stop hitting below the belt.

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