[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 2, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2127) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
     Services, and Education, and related agencies, for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes:

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the political 
advocacy gag provisions contained in H.R. 2127, and to those that my 
colleagues may attempt to attach to the bill. In its current form, the 
bill contains provisions which seriously restrict and threaten the 
political advocacy rights of the American people. Such provisions are a 
blatant attack on the most vulnerable in our society, and are designed 
to silence the voice of those who are committed to speaking out on 
their behalf.
  These provisions would restrict the fundamental rights of the 
American people by placing limitations on Federal grantees regarding 
the use of their own hard-earned money when engaging in activities that 
are protected by the first amendment. Activities include participation 
in public debate on issues of public concern, communication with 
elected representatives, and litigation against the Government.
  Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Republicans believe an extensive political 
advocacy gag law is just what it takes to force the American people to 
stomach the pill of bitter pain, hurt, and suffering that will result 
from the devastating cuts in Healthy Start, Meals for the Elderly, 
energy assistance, financial aid, Education for the Disadvantaged, 
employment training, Head Start, Safe and Drug Free Schools, the list 
goes on and on.
  If I were party to inflicting such hardship and pain, I too, would be 
in search of a hiding place or a cover up. And, I, too, would fear 
being held accountable by the American people. It will take more than a 
legislative silencer to quiet the cry of children, the elderly, and 
families that would result from the devastating cuts contained in H.R. 
2127.
  Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely opposed to any measure that authorizes 
such unconscionable attacks on the American people's rights. I strongly 
urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' to all measures and provisions that 
attempt to gag the American people. Vote ``no'' to H.R. 2127.


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