[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 1, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H2400-H2401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE REPUBLICANS PERMIT FREE LUNCHES FOR THEMSELVES, BUT NOT FOR 
                           AMERICA'S CHILDREN

  (Mr. BRYANT of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, what is most appalling about the 
efforts of Speaker Gingrich and his lockstep Republican chorus to 
deprive 13 million American children of their School Lunch Program is 
that the Republicans refuse to give up the freebie lobby lunch program 
which they themselves are able to enjoy under the current rules of the 
House.
  While the lockstep Republicans gladly jeopardize the nutrition and 
education of children in America, they have repeatedly refused to even 
allow a vote in this House to outlaw the free lunches, free gifts, free 
football and theater tickets, and free golf vacations that they are 
able to accept from the special interest lobbyists seeking to influence 
their decision.
  Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that if the Republicans have their 
way, there will be no free lunch for kids who cannot afford one, but 
there will be 
[[Page H2401]] sumptuous free lunches for Congressmen at the finest 
restaurants in Washington, paid for by special interest lobbyists.
  While lobby freebies may win tax breaks for special interests, 
eliminating the School Lunch Program will in the long run increase the 
burden on every American taxpayer. It is clear where Republican 
priorities are. They will let the lobby moochers keep their free 
lunches and eliminate the School Lunch Program for America's kids.

                          ____________________