[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 118 (Friday, August 19, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  ANNOUNCING REPUBLICAN SUPPORT FOR A STRONG AND AFFORDABLE CRIME BILL

  (Mr. WELDON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELDON. Mr. Speaker, when the House of Representatives voted down 
the rule on the crime bill, the President went on a national media 
blitz, basically saying that the rule was defeated because of one 
organization, the National Rifle Association, when he knew full well 
there are many Members in this body who had real concerns about the 
costs involved with the crime bill, as well as some of the weakening 
provisions in terms of dealing with the criminal element in our 
society.
  Mr. Speaker, I wrote to President Clinton last Friday and I gave him 
the conditions under which I would support both the rule and passage of 
the crime bill. Today, approximately 21 Members of the Republican side 
of the House have in fact delivered a letter to the President where we 
have laid down specific items in terms of costs and toughening 
provisions that will allow us to vote for the rule and for the crime 
bill. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? The letter is silent on the assault 
weapon ban.
  President Clinton now has the decision in his hands. If he really 
wants a crime bill, we are here. If he does not, the American people 
will know that he does not really want a crime bill.

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