[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 2 (Thursday, January 4, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IF THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT WORKING THEN AT LEAST THE CONGRESS SHOULD BE

  (Mr. WISE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, this is day 20 of the partial Government 
shutdown.
  Yesterday the Eastern Panhandle Social Service Agency called to tell 
me the first Federal worker was facing eviction. Another Federal worker 
told me yesterday that his mortgage company would not accept even 
partial payment for his mortgage. Today I have contacted the West 
Virginia Bankers Association asking that its member banks work closely 
with Federal employees facing financial difficulties. They are not 
unemployed because of any fault of their own, and if, as the Republican 
leadership promises, they are going to be paid eventually, they deserve 
credit forbearance. But even that does not help with the checkout line 
at the grocery store, paying the heating bill, or buying the kids' 
shoes.
  Now there is word that the Gingrich Republican leadership wants to 
recess the House for 3 weeks leaving the Government partially shut 
down. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the Government going on another recess 
while the Government is still shut down and taxpayers pay $40 million a 
day for services they are not receiving.
  I voted yesterday to open the Government up. I am going to vote today 
against letting the Congress leave today. Mr. Speaker, if the 
Government is not working, then at least the Congress should be.

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