[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 185 (Sunday, November 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE CURRENT SITUATION

  Mr. COCHRAN. First, let me compliment the distinguished majority 
leader, Senator Dole, for the way in which he is keeping the interests 
of the Senate in negotiations that are taking place on this resolution, 
not only regarding the continuing resolution, but the effort to get 
some commitment from the administration to support the effort and be an 
actively engaged partner in the effort to achieve a balanced budget. 
That is really what is at the heart and soul of the dispute between the 
Congress and the administration at this time.
  We know some innocent people are sort of caught in the crossfire. 
That is unfortunate. I think that the majority leader's assurance to 
those who are being disadvantaged and put at some financial risk as a 
result of this impasse ought to be reassured by the statements of the 
leader.
  There has been a lot of speculation. I know the distinguished Senator 
from Virginia has voiced concerns about how we go about making amends, 
or making sure that there is not an unfair result for some of those who 
have been laid off or furloughed temporarily.
  The fact is, I think there is some misunderstanding about the 
situation. There is a commitment, as the majority leader has stated, to 
help make sure that those problems are resolved and that they are 
resolved as a part of this negotiation. We hope that is the case.
  Some people have said, and they have called in saying, ``If people 
are not essential, if they are not necessary to the operation of the 
Government, why do you have them on the payroll to start with?'' That 
is not the definition of this situation. That is, that there are some 
who are considered essential for the protection of life and property. 
That is the definition. I think that is why there is the 
misunderstanding, those whose presence and whose active involvement on 
the payroll or on the job is necessary for the protection of life and 
property are considered essential under this situation.
  The President, however, has the obligation to make that definition in 
many cases. He has a good deal of leeway in making those decisions. I 
think people recognize that after the first furlough and first 
definitions, within the Departments there have been some changes. Some 
who were considered not necessary or essential for the protection of 
life and property have been summoned to come back to work, who were not 
first considered essential.
  So, this is a situation that does not happen every day. It is very 
unusual. It is out of the ordinary. No wonder there is some wonderment 
or bewilderment, confusion, about this situation.

  I think all can be assured that certainly this Senate is going to 
continue to look out for the interests not only for those who have been 
put at some financial disadvantage, but also the American people as a 
whole, and the interests of States. We are here representing State 
governments as well. That is one of the original roles of the U.S. 
Senate. We have two Senators per State so each State can be equally and 
fairly represented. So the interests of local governments are being 
taken into account in this process, too.
  The point I am trying to make is that although there are some 
anxieties and although there is some confusion, no one should be 
confused about what the goal is. That is, to get this dispute resolved 
as quickly as we can and as fairly as we can and without compromising 
our commitment to achieve a balanced budget. That is the whole purpose 
of this.
  We are sorry the dispute has turned into what some are characterizing 
as a political game or of one-upmanship, one trying to outdo the other 
with public rhetoric and news releases and the like.
  There is some very serious and hard work going on, and all through 
the weekend, and has been going on the last several days. I hope we can 
resolve it today. Everyone here is paying a very serious commitment in 
that direction.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. WARNER. Before the able Senator from Mississippi departs, 
yesterday you were present throughout the day and at a number of 
meetings, but repeatedly the majority leader of the Senate, Senator 
Dole, expressed compassion for the people who are necessarily 
furloughed as a consequence of this problem. In the presence of the 
Speaker and others at various times there was never any doubt--never 
any doubt--that the Congress would take appropriate action, perhaps as 
a separate measure from a continuing resolution. But, nevertheless, the 
Congress would take appropriate legislative action to ensure that 
furloughed persons are made whole with respect to their salaries.
  We cannot make them whole for the emotional loss and strain and the 
uncertainty, but certainly when it comes to the question of their just 
compensation, that will be done.
  I thank the Senator and join him in recognizing the leadership 
provided by the distinguished Senator from Kansas, the majority leader, 
Senator Dole.
  Mr. COCHRAN. I thank the Senator for his leadership in this effort. 
He has been stalwart in always helping us resolve these difficult 
situations. That has certainly been the case in this instance, as well.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Warner). The Senator from Georgia.

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