[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 211 (Friday, December 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S19314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            FEDERAL WORKERS

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, if the majority leader could withhold just 
another moment, I want it clearly understood from this side that we are 
in agreement to pass the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act. I believe 
it should be passed. I do not think it is right to be holding that up. 
We are also willing to pass the back-to-work provision. After all, we 
agreed to it and worked on drafting it last week.
  I would express the same concern I expressed earlier today, that it 
is very difficult for Federal workers, who do want to go back to work, 
who are unable to pay their bills as time goes on, who are greatly 
needed just to have this country run the way it is supposed to, not 
going back to work, and yet they have seen, frankly, in the other body 
those who did not want to take this up have the taxpayers pay for their 
airfare to go back home for Christmas vacation and to pay their 
salaries of about $500 a day every day they are home for Christmas 
vacation, and have them say, ``We can't go forth.'' I think that is 
wrong.
  Mr. DOLE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.

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