[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 22, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        THE WELFARE REFORM RULE

  (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, today we will consider a rule governing 
amendments to the welfare reform legislation.
  This rule allows 26 Republican amendments and 5 Democratic 
amendments.
  This rule excludes virtually every substantive amendment offered by 
Democrats.
  This rule shuts out debate, slams the first amendment, and makes a 
mockery of House procedures.
  This is a bad rule by anybody's definition.
  Under this bill, my State will lose millions of dollars and thousands 
of my constituents will be affected in a punitive manner.
  Yet, the committee refused to allow the amendments I offered to help 
perfect the bill.
  One of my amendments would have clarified apparent conflicts in two 
titles of the bill on the issue of minimum wage.
  Those conflicts will remain in the bill because of this rule.
  This hastily drafted legislation will go forward without the wisdom 
and input of many Members of this body who truly care.
  Democracy has suffered a dangerous blow on this day.
  Vote ``no'' on this gag rule.

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