[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H5700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    SUPPORT URGED FOR PASSAGE OF THE AMERICAN OVERSEAS INTERESTS ACT

  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today the House will complete debate and 
vote on one of the most important bills affecting the operations of our 
foreign affairs agencies and programs since the cold war.
  H.R. 1561--the American Overseas Interests Act eliminates three 
Federal agencies--cuts spending by $3 billion over 2 years--and by a 
total of $21 billion over the 7-year glide path to a balanced budget.
  It is a major step in the direction of downsizing and streamlining 
the Federal Government, as well as reducing the deficit.
  H.R. 1561 also is about ensuring that our Nation continues as a world 
leader by targeting scarce resources toward priorities that serve 
American interests. H.R. 1561 is about supporting peace and stability 
in the Middle East and getting nuclear weapons out of Russia and the 
other former Soviet states.
  H.R. 1561 has been endorsed by former Secretaries of State Jim Baker, 
Alexander Haig, Henry Kissinger, and Larry Eagleburger. Accordingly, on 
final passage, I urge our colleagues to join in supporting this highly 
important measure.

                          ____________________