[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 186 (Monday, November 20, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H13347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            BACK ON THE JOB

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Ford] is recognized during 
morning business for 2 minutes.
  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to say to the Democrats and Republicans 
alike that we are very happy I know in this Congress that the Federal 
employees are now back on the job.
  We would also like to point out, Mr. Chairman, that we also know a 
little bit about this agreement among Democrats and the Republicans, 
the President and the Republican leadership. When we think in terms of 
taxing working people in this country, it is clear now that we will 
have that issue on the table to say that it is wrong for the 
Republicans to try to tax working families in this country.
  And we also would look at it even closer now with this so-called 
crown jewel for the rich and the wealthy of this country, is that we 
can say to Speaker Gingrich is that $245 billion is just absolutely too 
much of a tax break for the rich and wealthy of this Nation.
  I am glad to know that now that we will have the administration and 
Democrats and Republicans trying to come up with a plan that will in 
fact protect the Medicare recipients, the senior citizens of this 
country, children of this country, in making sure that we protect the 
environment.
  I am just happy to know that I was a part of this side of the aisle 
on Saturday, when our colleagues on the other side of the aisle wanted 
this House to leave and come back this afternoon at 6 o'clock. I am 
glad that the Democrats were able to shame the Republicans to stay here 
over the weekend so the Federal employees could go back to work.
  And I thank you very much, Republicans, for shaming you in a way, but 
thanking you very much for coming over with the Democrats to say let us 
stay in session over the weekend, that the President and the 
Republicans could get together. And today the Federal employees are 
back at work.

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