[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 100 (Monday, June 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8630-S8631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE NOMINATION OF DR. HENRY FOSTER

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, earlier today I met with Dr. Henry Foster. 
At our meeting we discussed a number of subjects, including the 
infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, the inconsistent statements from the 
White House and from Dr. Foster himself concerning the number of 
abortions Dr. Foster has performed, and Dr. Foster's role in 
sterilizing several mentally retarded women during the early 1970's.
  I would just say that we had a very frank discussion. The discussion 
lasted 30 to 40 minutes.
  I indicated earlier I felt, as the majority leader, that Dr. Foster 
certainly is entitled to an opportunity to speak to me. We went over 
probably 15, 20, 25 different questions. He answered each of the 
questions. Some had been answered during his nomination consideration 
before the Labor Committee.
  I told Dr. Foster we were trying to work out some procedure on the 
Senate floor so that we could have two votes: one on cloture; if 
cloture was not invoked after two votes, that the nomination would go 
back on the calendar; and, if cloture were invoked, then, of course, we 
would have the debate. We have not reached an agreement, but I hope to 
visit tomorrow morning with the distinguished Democratic leader, 
Senator Daschle.
  But I would say that our phones are ringing off the wall. Just 
because you meet with someone--some people do not even want you to meet 
with nominees because they have different views than the nominee. My 
view is that they are entitled to that regardless of whether I agree or 
disagree.
  I do not support Dr. Foster's nomination, but my view is that he is 
entitled to that courtesy. And we had a good meeting as far as covering 
different points that I wanted to cover, and he had an opportunity to 
make his own statements.
  So, hopefully, tomorrow we can announce a process that will lead us 
to consideration--at least the first step in the process, whether or 
not cloture will be invoked, and, second, if it is, what will follow.
  It will be my intention to try to make that announcement sometime 
tomorrow.
  I see the Senator from Missouri is here [Senator Bond]. At the end of 
his remarks, the Senate will stand in recess, and the Senator from 
Missouri is the man of the hour.
  Mr. BOND addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Missouri.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may be 
permitted to proceed as if in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  [[Page S 8631]]
  
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I express my sincere thanks to the majority 
leader.


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