[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 22, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IMPROVING THE HOUSE SCHEDULE

  (Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, we began the 104th Congress with a commitment 
to improve the House schedule to make this Congress more family 
friendly, recognizing that the first 100 days of this session would be 
devoted to fulfilling the legislation promised in the Contract With 
America entailing long days and a full House schedule during this time.
  We have worked hard to keep on that contract schedule and trying to 
balance the floor schedule with time for family has been difficult. But 
I believe there are a few ways we can adjust the House floor routine in 
an effort to improve upon the family friendliness of this Congress.
  I would suggest, Mr. Speaker, for at least the remainder of the 100-
day period, that we consider starting the floor schedule earlier each 
day, with goal of ending sooner in the evenings. Morning hours could be 
suspended, 1-minutes could be held to a half hour, or even better 
delayed until the end of business. Consideration could even be given to 
suspending special orders. At least provide the floor staff with some 
help when the schedule goes into the late hours so that the staff can 
spend some time with their families.
  Mr. Speaker, schedules, nerves, and tempers are beginning to fray. An 
earlier starting time could not only help in moving the House's 
business along, but it could also allow some additional family time, 
and truly make this a family friendly Congress.


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