[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  OPPOSITION TO THE HANCOCK AMENDMENT

                                 ______


                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 1995

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I, along with several of my 
colleagues from both sides of the isle, appeared before the House Rules 
Committee in an attempt to delete the Hancock Amendment from the 
reconciliation bill. This amendment threatens the long-term security of 
coal miner's health care benefits.
  I strongly believe that our testimony has sparked a firestorm of 
debate on this issue that Congress can no longer choose to ignore. I 
further believe that this debate has hopefully prompted both sides on 
this issue to begin to come together, and common ground may be found. 
As we move toward the Senate with this monumental bill, I believe that 
the healthy debate which has been initiated on this issue can and will 
carry over to the Senate.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues in both the 
House and Senate to take another look at this important issue. I 
believe that agreement can be reached that would help those who should 
not be paying into this fund, while at the same time, secure the long-
term stability of this important fund that supplies health care to our 
retired miners who have worked so hard to build America and make it 
prosper.

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