[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 19, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H6518-H6528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3662, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
             AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997

  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I 
call up House Resolution 455 and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 455

       Resolved, That at any time after the adoption of this 
     resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 1(b) of rule 
     XXIII, declare the

[[Page H6519]]

     House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the 
     state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3662) 
     making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and 
     related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     1997, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill 
     shall be dispensed with. Points of order against 
     consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 
     2(l)(6) of rule XI or clause 7 of rule XXI are waived. 
     General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not 
     exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the 
     chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on 
     Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be 
     considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. Points 
     of order against provisions in the bill (other than section 
     117 and the first two provisos under the heading ``Strategic 
     Petroleum Reserve'') for failure to comply with clause 2 or 6 
     of rule XXI are waived. Where points of order are waived 
     against part of a paragraph, points of order against a 
     provision in another part of such paragraph may be made only 
     against such provision and not against the entire paragraph. 
     An amendment striking the last proviso under the heading 
     ``Strategic Petroleum Reserve'' shall be considered as 
     adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. 
     During further consideration of the bill for amendment, the 
     Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in 
     recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an 
     amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the 
     Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 6 
     of rule XXIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as 
     read. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may postpone 
     until a time during further consideration in the Committee of 
     the Whole a request for a recorded vote on any amendment. The 
     Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may reduce to not less 
     than five minutes the time for voting by electronic device on 
     any postponed question that immediately follows another vote 
     by electronic device without intervening business, provided 
     that the time for voting by electronic device on the first in 
     any series of questions shall be not less than fifteen 
     minutes. After the reading of the final lines of the bill, a 
     motion that the Committee of the Whole rise and report the 
     bill to the House with such amendments as may have been 
     adopted shall, if offered by the majority leader or his 
     designee, have precedence over a motion to amend. At the 
     conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the 
     Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with 
     such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous 
     question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and 
     amendments thereto to final passage without intervening 
     motion except one motion to recommit with or without 
     instructions.

                              {time}  1045

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. Pryce] is 
recognized for 1 hour.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the 
customary 30 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from California 
[Mr. Beilenson]. During consideration of this resolution, all time 
yielded is for the purpose of debate only.


                             general leave

  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on House Resolution 455, and that I be permitted to submit extraneous 
materials into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 455 is an open rule providing for the 
consideration of H.R. 3662, the Interior and Related Agencies 
appropriations bill for fiscal year 1997.
  The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and 
controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee 
on Appropriations, after which time the bill will be open to amendment 
under 5-minute rule.
  Under this open rule, any Member can be heard on any germane 
amendment to the bill at the appropriate time, as long as it is 
consistent with the normal rules of the House. It is important to note 
that of the four previous appropriations bills that have been reported 
to the House this year, all have been considered under an open 
amendment process.
  As we have done in the past, the rule empowers the Chairman of the 
Committee of the Whole to give priority in recognition of Members who 
have preprinted their amendments in the Record prior to their 
consideration.
  The Committee on Rules continues to believe that the option of making 
amendments available for our colleagues to read in advance of floor 
action is a very useful tool for improving the quality of debate in the 
House.
  Mr. Speaker, the rule also provides a limit but necessary number of 
waivers to facilitate the orderly consideration of the bill. For 
example, the rule waives clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI, regarding the 3-day 
availability of the committee report, and clause 7 of rule XXI, 
regarding the 3-day availability of printed hearings and reports on 
general appropriations bills.
  Since authorizing legislation for several programs within the scope 
of the bill has not yet been approved by the House, the rule provides 
the necessary waiver of clause 2 of rule XXI, which prohibits 
unauthorized and legislative provisions in appropriations bills. 
However, Members should be aware that the waiver of unauthorized 
provisions does not extend to that section of the bill regarding the 
collection of States sales taxes on tribal businesses, or to the first 
two provisos under the heading of ``Strategic Petroleum Reserve.''
  In addition, at the recommendation of the Budget Committee, the rule 
provides for the automatic adoption of an amendment striking the final 
proviso under the heading of ``Strategic Petroleum Reserve'' from the 
bill. It is the Rules Committee's understanding that the provision, if 
it were not removed from the bill, would constitute a significant 
violation of the Budget Act.
  Furthermore, the rule allows the Chairman of the Committee of the 
Whole to postpone and shorten votes during further consideration of the 
bill. After the reading of the final lines of the bill, a motion to 
rise, if offered by the majority leader or his designee, will have 
precedence over a motion to amend. Finally, the rule provides for one 
motion to recommit, with or without instructions, as is the right of 
the minority.
  Mr. Speaker, the focus of this year's Interior appropriations bill 
has been to make good government choices, and I congratulate my 
colleague from Ohio, the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, 
for his leadership in balancing the need for meaningful deficit 
reduction with the need to enhance and protect our Nation's natural and 
cultural resources.
  Although the bill appropriates $500 million less than last year's 
enacted level, the committee has provided reasonable increases for the 
national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. Special increases are 
provided for Everglades restoration, the earthquake program, and for 
two new initiatives--the new Southern California Natural Communities 
Conservation Planning Program and the Appalachian Clean Stream Program. 
Funds have also been added to address important Indian health and 
education needs.
  As I am sure my colleagues know, summer is the time when many of our 
constituents travel to the Nation's Capital to visit the city's 
treasured landmarks, and I am pleased to note that in the bill priority 
was given to funding increases in both operations and relieving 
critical maintenance backlogs for some of our Nation's major cultural 
institutions. These include such popular sites as the Smithsonian 
Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center 
for the Performing Arts, and the National Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  While the committee was able to provide modest funding increases for 
these programs, I should also point out that the bill responds to the 
American people's call for smaller, less costly, and more effective 
government. In order to fund these and other priorities, the committee 
has taken responsible steps to eliminate duplication and layers of 
management, and to do away with functions that the committee believes 
are not inherent Federal responsibility.
  By continuing to reduce unnecessary spending and focusing reasonable 
funding increases on the core programs contained in the bill, Chairman 
Regula and members of the Appropriations Committee have been able to 
save the American taxpayers $500 million, and at the same time fulfill 
the commitment to preserve and enhance our national treasures.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I would emphasize again that the rule before 
us is both fair and open. Any remaining areas of concern or 
disagreement can be addressed through the normal amendment process. 
House Resolution 455 was reported unanimously by the

[[Page H6520]]

Rules Committee yesterday and it will allow our Members to participate 
most fully in the deliberative process. I urge my colleagues to vote 
``yes'' on the rule and ``yes'' on the underlying legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following information for the Record.

  THE AMENDMENT PROCESS UNDER SPECIAL RULES REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE,\1\ 103D CONGRESS V. 104TH CONGRESS 
                                              [As of June 18, 1996]                                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  103d Congress                        104th Congress           
              Rule type              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Number of rules    Percent of total   Number of rules    Percent of total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open/Modified-Open \2\..............                 46                 44                 74                 59
Structured/Modified Closed \3\......                 49                 47                 33                 27
Closed \4\..........................                  9                  9                 17                 14
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total.........................                104                124                124                100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This table applies only to rules which provide for the original consideration of bills, joint resolutions or
  budget resolutions and which provide for an amendment process. It does not apply to special rules which only  
  waive points of order against appropriations bills which are already privileged and are considered under an   
  open amendment process under House rules.                                                                     
\2\ An open rule is one under which any Member may offer a germane amendment under the five-minute rule. A      
  modified open rule is one under which any Member may offer a germane amendment under the five-minute rule     
  subject only to an overall time limit on the amendment process and/or a requirement that the amendment be     
  preprinted in the Congressional Record.                                                                       
\3\ A structured or modified closed rule is one under which the Rules Committee limits the amendments that may  
  be offered only to those amendments designated in the special rule or the Rules Committee report to accompany 
  it, or which preclude amendments to a particular portion of a bill, even though the rest of the bill may be   
  completely open to amendment.                                                                                 
\4\ A closed rule is one under which no amendments may be offered (other than amendments recommended by the     
  committee in reporting the bill).                                                                             


                          SPECIAL RULES REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE, 104TH CONGRESS                         
                                              [As of June 18, 1996]                                             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Disposition of 
    H. Res. No. (Date rept.)         Rule type           Bill No.              Subject                rule      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Res. 38 (1/18/95)...........  O................  H.R. 5...........  Unfunded Mandate        A: 350-71 (1/19/ 
                                                                        Reform.                 95).            
H. Res. 44 (1/24/95)...........  MC...............  H. Con. Res. 17..  Social Security.......  A: 255-172 (1/25/
                                                    H.J. Res. 1......  Balanced Budget Amdt..   95).            
H. Res. 51 (1/31/95)...........  O................  H.R. 101.........  Land Transfer, Taos     A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Pueblo Indians.         1/95).          
H. Res. 52 (1/31/95)...........  O................  H.R. 400.........  Land Exchange, Arctic   A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Nat'l. Park and         1/95).          
                                                                        Preserve.                               
H. Res. 53 (1/31/95)...........  O................  H.R. 440.........  Land Conveyance, Butte  A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        County, Calif.          1/95).          
H. Res. 55 (2/1/95)............  O................  H.R. 2...........  Line Item Veto........  A: voice vote (2/
                                                                                                2/95).          
H. Res. 60 (2/6/95)............  O................  H.R. 665.........  Victim Restitution....  A: voice vote (2/
                                                                                                7/95).          
H. Res. 61 (2/6/95)............  O................  H.R. 666.........  Exclusionary Rule       A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Reform.                 7/95).          
H. Res. 63 (2/8/95)............  MO...............  H.R. 667.........  Violent Criminal        A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Incarceration.          9/95).          
H. Res. 69 (2/9/95)............  O................  H.R. 668.........  Criminal Alien          A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Deportation.            10/95).         
H. Res. 79 (2/10/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 728.........  Law Enforcement Block   A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Grants.                 13/95).         
H. Res. 83 (2/13/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 7...........  National Security       PQ: 229-199; A:  
                                                                        Revitalization.         227-197 (2/15/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 88 (2/16/95)...........  MC...............  H.R. 831.........  Health Insurance        PQ: 230-191; A:  
                                                                        Deductibility.          229-188 (2/21/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 91 (2/21/95)...........  O................  H.R. 830.........  Paperwork Reduction     A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Act.                    22/95).         
H. Res. 92 (2/21/95)...........  MC...............  H.R. 889.........  Defense Supplemental..  A: 282-144 (2/22/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 93 (2/22/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 450.........  Regulatory Transition   A: 252-175 (2/23/
                                                                        Act.                    95).            
H. Res. 96 (2/24/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 1022........  Risk Assessment.......  A: 253-165 (2/27/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 100 (2/27/95)..........  O................  H.R. 926.........  Regulatory Reform and   A: voice vote (2/
                                                                        Relief Act.             28/95).         
H. Res. 101 (2/28/95)..........  MO...............  H.R. 925.........  Private Property        A: 271-151 (3/2/ 
                                                                        Protection Act.         95).            
H. Res. 103 (3/3/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 1058........  Securities Litigation   .................
                                                                        Reform.                                 
H. Res. 104 (3/3/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 988.........  Attorney                A: voice vote (3/
                                                                        Accountability Act.     6/95).          
H. Res. 105 (3/6/95)...........  MO...............  .................  ......................  A: 257-155 (3/7/ 
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 108 (3/7/95)...........  Debate...........  H.R. 956.........  Product Liability       A: voice vote (3/
                                                                        Reform.                 8/95).          
H. Res. 109 (3/8/95)...........  MC...............  .................  ......................  PQ: 234-191 A:   
                                                                                                247-181 (3/9/   
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 115 (3/14/95)..........  MO...............  H.R. 1159........  Making Emergency Supp.  A: 242-190 (3/15/
                                                                        Approps.                95).            
H. Res. 116 (3/15/95)..........  MC...............  H.J. Res. 73.....  Term Limits Const.      A: voice vote (3/
                                                                        Amdt.                   28/95).         
H. Res. 117 (3/16/95)..........  Debate...........  H.R. 4...........  Personal                A: voice vote (3/
                                                                        Responsibility Act of   21/95).         
                                                                        1995.                                   
H. Res. 119 (3/21/95)..........  MC...............  .................  ......................  A: 217-211 (3/22/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 125 (4/3/95)...........  O................  H.R. 1271........  Family Privacy          A: 423-1 (4/4/   
                                                                        Protection Act.         95).            
H. Res. 126 (4/3/95)...........  O................  H.R. 660.........  Older Persons Housing   A: voice vote (4/
                                                                        Act.                    6/95).          
H. Res. 128 (4/4/95)...........  MC...............  H.R. 1215........  Contract With America   A: 228-204 (4/5/ 
                                                                        Tax Relief Act of       95).            
                                                                        1995.                                   
H. Res. 130 (4/5/95)...........  MC...............  H.R. 483.........  Medicare Select          A: 253-172 (4/6/
                                                                        Expansion.              95).            
H. Res. 136 (5/1/95)...........  O................  H.R. 655.........  Hydrogen Future Act of  A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        1995.                   2/95).          
H. Res. 139 (5/3/95)...........  O................  H.R. 1361........  Coast Guard Auth. FY    A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        1996.                   9/95).          
H. Res. 140 (5/9/95)...........  O................  H.R. 961.........  Clean Water Amendments  A: 414-4 (5/10/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 144 (5/11/95)..........  O................  H.R. 535.........  Fish Hatchery--         A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        Arkansas.               15/95).         
H. Res. 145 (5/11/95)..........  O................  H.R. 584.........  Fish Hatchery--Iowa...  A: voice vote (5/
                                                                                                15/95).         
H. Res. 146 (5/11/95)..........  O................  H.R. 614.........  Fish Hatchery--         A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        Minnesota.              15/95).         
H. Res. 149 (5/16/95)..........  MC...............  H. Con. Res. 67..  Budget Resolution FY    PQ: 252-170 A:   
                                                                        1996.                   255-168 (5/17/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 155 (5/22/95)..........  MO...............  H.R. 1561........  American Overseas       A: 233-176 (5/23/
                                                                        Interests Act.          95).            
H. Res. 164 (6/8/95)...........  MC...............  H.R. 1530........  Nat. Defense Auth. FY   PQ: 225-191 A:   
                                                                        1996.                   233-183 (6/13/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 167 (6/15/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1817........  MilCon Appropriations   PQ: 223-180 A:   
                                                                        FY 1996.                245-155 (6/16/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 169 (6/19/95)..........  MC...............  H.R. 1854........  Leg. Branch Approps.    PQ: 232-196 A:   
                                                                        FY 1996.                236-191 (6/20/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 170 (6/20/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1868........  For. Ops. Approps. FY   PQ: 221-178 A:   
                                                                        1996.                   217-175 (6/22/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 171 (6/22/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1905........  Energy & Water          A: voice vote (7/
                                                                        Approps. FY 1996.       12/95).         
H. Res. 173 (6/27/95)..........  C................  H.J. Res. 79.....  Flag Constitutional     PQ: 258-170 A:   
                                                                        Amendment.              271-152 (6/28/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 176 (6/28/95)..........  MC...............  H.R. 1944........  Emer. Supp. Approps...  PQ: 236-194 A:   
                                                                                                234-192 (6/29/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 185 (7/11/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1977........  Interior Approps. FY    PQ: 235-193 D:   
                                                                        1996.                   192-238 (7/12/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 187 (7/12/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1977........  Interior Approps. FY    PQ: 230-194 A:   
                                                                        1996 #2.                229-195 (7/13/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 188 (7/12/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1976........  Agriculture Approps.    PQ: 242-185 A:   
                                                                        FY 1996.                voice vote (7/18/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 190 (7/17/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2020........  Treasury/Postal         PQ: 232-192 A:   
                                                                        Approps. FY 1996.       voice vote (7/18/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 193 (7/19/95)..........  C................  H.J. Res. 96.....  Disapproval of MFN to   A: voice vote (7/
                                                                        China.                  20/95).         
H. Res. 194 (7/19/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2002........  Transportation          PQ: 217-202 (7/21/
                                                                        Approps. FY 1996.       95).            
H. Res. 197 (7/21/95)..........  O................  H.R. 70..........  Exports of Alaskan      A: voice vote (7/
                                                                        Crude Oil.              24/95).         
H. Res. 198 (7/21/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2076........  Commerce, State         A: voice vote (7/
                                                                        Approps. FY 1996.       25/95).         
H. Res. 201 (7/25/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2099........  VA/HUD Approps. FY      A: 230-189 (7/25/
                                                                        1996.                   95).            
H. Res. 204 (7/28/95)..........  MC...............  S. 21............  Terminating U.S. Arms   A: voice vote (8/
                                                                        Embargo on Bosnia.      1/95).          
H. Res. 205 (7/28/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2126........  Defense Approps. FY     A: 409-1 (7/31/  
                                                                        1996.                   95).            
H. Res. 207 (8/1/95)...........  MC...............  H.R. 1555........  Communications Act of   A: 255-156 (8/2/ 
                                                                        1995.                   95).            
H. Res. 208 (8/1/95)...........  O................  H.R. 2127........  Labor, HHS Approps. FY  A: 323-104 (8/2/ 
                                                                        1996.                   95).            
H. Res. 215 (9/7/95)...........  O................  H.R. 1594........  Economically Targeted   A: voice vote (9/
                                                                        Investments.            12/95).         
H. Res. 216 (9/7/95)...........  MO...............  H.R. 1655........  Intelligence            A: voice vote (9/
                                                                        Authorization FY 1996.  12/95).         
H. Res. 218 (9/12/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1162........  Deficit Reduction       A: voice vote (9/
                                                                        Lockbox.                13/95).         
H. Res. 219 (9/12/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1670........  Federal Acquisition     A: 414-0 (9/13/  
                                                                        Reform Act.             95).            
H. Res. 222 (9/18/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1617........  CAREERS Act...........  A: 388-2 (9/19/  
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 224 (9/19/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2274........  Natl. Highway System..  PQ: 241-173 A:   
                                                                                                375-39-1 (9/20/ 
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 225 (9/19/95)..........  MC...............  H.R. 927.........  Cuban Liberty & Dem.    A: 304-118 (9/20/
                                                                        Solidarity.             95).            
H. Res. 226 (9/21/95)..........  O................  H.R. 743.........  Team Act..............  A: 344-66-1 (9/27/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 227 (9/21/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1170........  3-Judge Court.........  A: voice vote (9/
                                                                                                28/95).         
H. Res. 228 (9/21/95)..........  O................  H.R. 1601........  Internatl. Space        A: voice vote (9/
                                                                        Station.                27/95).         
H. Res. 230 (9/27/95)..........  C................  H.J. Res. 108....  Continuing Resolution   A: voice vote (9/
                                                                        FY 1996.                28/95).         
H. Res. 234 (9/29/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2405........  Omnibus Science Auth..  A: voice vote (10/
                                                                                                11/95).         
H. Res. 237 (10/17/95).........  MC...............  H.R. 2259........  Disapprove Sentencing   A: voice vote (10/
                                                                        Guidelines.             18/95).         
H. Res. 238 (10/18/95).........  MC...............  H.R. 2425........  Medicare Preservation   PQ: 231-194 A:   
                                                                        Act.                    227-192 (10/19/ 
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 239 (10/19/95).........  C................  H.R. 2492........  Leg. Branch Approps...  PQ: 235-184 A:   
                                                                                                voice vote (10/ 
                                                                                                31/95).         
H. Res. 245 (10/25/95).........  MC...............  H. Con. Res. 109.  Social Security         PQ: 228-191 A:   
                                                    H.R. 2491........   Earnings Reform.        235-185 (10/26/ 
                                                                       Seven-Year Balanced      95).            
                                                                        Budget.                                 
H. Res. 251 (10/31/95).........  C................  H.R. 1833........  Partial Birth Abortion  A: 237-190 (11/1/
                                                                        Ban.                    95).            
H. Res. 252 (10/31/95).........  MO...............  H.R. 2546........  D.C. Approps..........  A: 241-181 (11/1/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 257 (11/7/95)..........  C................  H.J. Res. 115....  Cont. Res. FY 1996....  A: 216-210 (11/8/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 258 (11/8/95)..........  MC...............  H.R. 2586........  Debt Limit............  A: 220-200 (11/10/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 259 (11/9/95)..........  O................  H.R. 2539........  ICC Termination Act...  A: voice vote (11/
                                                                                                14/95).         

[[Page H6521]]

                                                                                                                
H. Res. 262 (11/9/95)..........  C................  H.R. 2586........  Increase Debt Limit...  A: 220-185 (11/10/
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 269 (11/15/95).........  O................  H.R. 2564........  Lobbying Reform.......  A: voice vote (11/
                                                                                                16/95).         
H. Res. 270 (11/15/95).........  C................  H.J. Res. 122....  Further Cont.           A: 249-176 (11/15/
                                                                        Resolution.             95).            
H. Res. 273 (11/16/95).........  MC...............  H.R. 2606........  Prohibition on Funds    A: 239-181 (11/17/
                                                                        for Bosnia.             95).            
H. Res. 284 (11/29/95).........  O................  H.R. 1788........  Amtrak Reform.........  A: voice vote (11/
                                                                                                30/95).         
H. Res. 287 (11/30/95).........  O................  H.R. 1350........  Maritime Security Act.  A: voice vote (12/
                                                                                                6/95).          
H. Res. 293 (12/7/95)..........  C................  H.R. 2621........  Protect Federal Trust   PQ: 223-183 A:   
                                                                        Funds.                  228-184 (12/14/ 
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 303 (12/13/95).........  O................  H.R. 1745........  Utah Public Lands.....  PQ: 221-197 A:   
                                                                                                voice vote (5/15/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 309 (12/18/95).........  C................  H. Con. Res. 122.  Budget Res. W/          PQ: 230-188 A:   
                                                                        President.              229-189 (12/19/ 
                                                                                                95).            
H. Res. 313 (12/19/95).........  O................  H.R. 558.........  Texas Low-Level         A: voice vote (12/
                                                                        Radioactive.            20/95).         
H. Res. 323 (12/21/95).........  C................  H.R. 2677........  Natl. Parks & Wildlife  Tabled (2/28/96).
                                                                        Refuge.                                 
H. Res. 366 (2/27/96)..........  MC...............  H.R. 2854........  Farm Bill.............  PQ: 228-182 A:   
                                                                                                244-168 (2/28/  
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 368 (2/28/96)..........  O................  H.R. 994.........  Small Business Growth.  Tabled (4/17/96).
H. Res. 371 (3/6/96)...........  C................  H.R. 3021........  Debt Limit Increase...  A: voice vote (3/
                                                                                                7/96).          
H. Res. 372 (3/6/96)...........  MC...............  H.R. 3019........  Cont. Approps. FY 1996  PQ: voice vote A:
                                                                                                235-175 (3/7/   
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 380 (3/12/96)..........  C................  H.R. 2703........  Effective Death         A: 251-157 (3/13/
                                                                        Penalty.                96).            
H. Res. 384 (3/14/96)..........  MC...............  H.R. 2202........  Immigration...........  PQ: 233-152 A:   
                                                                                                voice vote (3/19/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 386 (3/20/96)..........  C................  H.J. Res. 165....  Further Cont. Approps.  PQ: 234-187 A:   
                                                                                                237-183 (3/21/  
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 388 (3/21/96)..........  C................  H.R. 125.........  Gun Crime Enforcement.  A: 244-166 (3/22/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 391 (3/27/96)..........  C................  H.R. 3136........  Contract w/America      PQ: 232-180 A:   
                                                                        Advancement.            232-177, (3/28/ 
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 392 (3/27/96)..........  MC...............  H.R. 3103........  Health Coverage         PQ: 229-186 A:   
                                                                        Affordability.          Voice Vote (3/29/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 395 (3/29/96)..........  MC...............  H.J. Res. 159....  Tax Limitation Const.   PQ: 232-168 A:   
                                                                        Amdmt..                 234-162 (4/15/  
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 396 (3/29/96)..........  O................  H.R. 842.........  Truth in Budgeting Act  A: voice vote (4/
                                                                                                17/96).         
H. Res. 409 (4/23/96)..........  O................  H.R. 2715........  Paperwork Elimination   A: voice vote (4/
                                                                        Act.                    24/96).         
H. Res. 410 (4/23/96)..........  O................  H.R. 1675........  Natl. Wildlife Refuge.  A: voice vote (4/
                                                                                                24/96).         
H. Res. 411 (4/23/96)..........  C................  H.J. Res. 175....  Further Cont. Approps.  A: voice vote (4/
                                                                        FY 1996.                24/96).         
H. Res. 418 (4/30/96)..........  O................  H.R. 2641........  U.S. Marshals Service.  PQ: 219-203 A:   
                                                                                                voice vote (5/1/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 419 (4/30/96)..........  O................  H.R. 2149........  Ocean Shipping Reform.  A: 422-0 (5/1/   
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 421 (5/2/96)...........  O................  H.R. 2974........  Crimes Against          A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        Children & Elderly.     7/96).          
H. Res. 422 (5/2/96)...........  O................  H.R. 3120........  Witness & Jury          A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        Tampering.              7/96).          
H. Res. 426 (5/7/96)...........  O................  H.R. 2406........  U.S. Housing Act of     PQ: 218-208 A:   
                                                                        1996.                   voice vote (5/8/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 427 (5/7/96)...........  O................  H.R. 3322........  Omnibus Civilian        A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        Science Auth.           9/96).          
H. Res. 428 (5/7/96)...........  MC...............  H.R. 3286........  Adoption Promotion &    A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        Stability.              9/96).          
H. Res. 430 (5/9/96)...........  S................  H.R. 3230........  DoD Auth. FY 1997.....  A: 235-149 (5/10/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 435 (5/15/96)..........  MC...............  H. Con. Res. 178.  Con. Res. on the        PQ: 227-196 A:   
                                                                        Budget, 1997.           voice vote (5/16/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 436 (5/16/96)..........  C................  H.R. 3415........  Repeal 4.3 cent fuel    PQ: 221-181 A:   
                                                                        tax.                    voice vote (5/21/
                                                                                                96).            
H. Res. 437 (5/16/96)..........  MO...............  H.R. 3259........  Intell. Auth. FY 1997.  A: voice vote (5/
                                                                                                21/96).         
H. Res. 438 (5/16/96)..........  MC...............  H.R. 3144........  Defend America Act....  .................
H. Res. 440 (5/21/96)..........  MC...............  H.R. 3448........  Small Bus. Job          A: 219-211 (5/22/
                                                                        Protection.             96).            
                                 MC...............  H.R. 1227........  Employee Commuting      .................
                                                                        Flexibility.                            
H. Res. 442 (5/29/96)..........  O................  H.R. 3517........  Mil. Const. Approps.    A: voice vote (5/
                                                                        FY 1997.                30/96).         
H. Res. 445 (5/30/96)..........  O................  H.R. 3540........  For. Ops. Approps. FY   A: voice vote (6/
                                                                        1997.                   5/96).          
H. Res. 446 (6/5/96)...........  MC...............  H.R. 3562........  WI Works Waiver         A: 363-59 (6/6/  
                                                                        Approval.               96).            
H. Res. 448 (6/6/96)...........  MC...............  H.R. 2754........  Shipbuilding Trade      A: voice vote (6/
                                                                        Agreement.              12/96).         
H. Res. 451 (6/10/96)..........  O................  H.R. 3603........  Agriculture             A: voice vote (6/
                                                                        Appropriations, FY      11/96).         
                                                                        1997.                                   
H. Res. 453 (6/12/96)..........  O................  H.R. 3610........  Defense                 A: voice vote (6/
                                                                        Appropriations, FY      13/96).         
                                                                        1997.                                   
H. Res. 455 (6/18/96)..........  O................  H.R. 3662........  Interior Approps, FY    .................
                                                                        1997.                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Codes: O-open rule; MO-modified open rule; MC-modified closed rule; S/C-structured/closed rule; A-adoption vote;
  D-defeated; PQ-previous question vote. Source: Notices of Action Taken, Committee on Rules, 104th Congress.   


  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume, and I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Ohio, my good 
friend, Ms. Pryce, for yielding the customary 30 minutes of debate time 
to me.
  Mr. Speaker, this rule permits Members to offer any amendment which 
is in order under the standing rules of the House, and we are pleased 
that the majority has provided again such a rule for the Interior 
appropriations bill. We are also pleased that the rule continues a 
practice established several years ago when Democrats controlled the 
House, of respecting the prerogatives of authorizing committees by not 
protecting against points of order legislative language in an 
appropriations bill that the authorizing committee with jurisdiction 
over the matter objects to.
  In that regard, the rule allows two controversial legislative riders 
in the bill to be struck by raising a point of order. One is a 
provision mandating the sale of over $200 million worth of oil from the 
strategic petroleum reserve. The other is a provision concerning the 
collection of State and local taxes by native American retail 
establishments located on native American lands.
  However, there is one aspect of this rule, Mr. Speaker, that we 
object to, and that is the absence of a rule XXI waiver, a waiver 
against legislating on an appropriations bill for an amendment that the 
gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Furse] and the gentleman from Illinois 
[Mr. Porter] hoped to offer to repeal the salvage timber program 
enacted by the Congress last year.
  The enactment of that program, which is causing serious environmental 
damage in the Pacific Northwest, was possible only because the 
Committee on Rules last year waived rule XXI to permit the salvage 
timber program to be added as a legislative rider to an appropriations 
bill. Because the destructiveness of this program has become a growing 
concern to an increasing number of Members, it seems only fair and 
reasonable to allow the House to consider terminating the program 
through the same means by which it was originally enacted. We feel that 
we should have had that opportunity.
  Beyond the rule itself, many of us have serious concerns about the 
bill that the rule makes in order. While the bill does not contain the 
many antienvironmental riders that last year's Interior bill contained, 
it is not entirely devoid of controversy stemming from legislative 
provisions that do not belong on an appropriations bill.
  One rider that this year's bill contains would prohibit the 
enforcement of the critical habitat designation for the marbled 
murrelet on private lands in California. Over 37,000 acres of critical 
habitat is affected, most of which is in the Headwaters Forest area, 
the last unprotected ancient redwood wilderness in the world. 
Fortunately, we anticipate an amendment striking this provision will be 
offered. We urge Members to support that amendment.
  But even without containing a large number of antienvironmental 
legislative riders, this bill would cause great harm to our Nation's 
valuable natural and cultural resources by falling far short of 
providing the funds needed to protect those resources. The bill would 
reduce funding by half a billion dollars, as the gentlewoman from Ohio 
[Ms. Pryce] stated, below last year's level. When combined with the 
deep cuts in the Interior bill enacted for fiscal year 1996, this bill 
would provide about 12 percent less for Interior programs than we were 
spending in fiscal year 1995.
  Under this bill, funding for the National Park Service would be 18 
percent below the President's request. That shortfall will prevent the 
Park Service from meeting the growing demand at our great national 
parks for visitor services, maintenance and resource protection.
  The bill also contains large reductions from the President's request 
in other programs critical to effective resources management, including 
a 20-percent cut in endangered species programs and a 24-percent cut in 
funds requested for the Pacific Northwest forest plan, designed to 
protect our Nation's remaining old growth forests.
  Funding for land acquisition, which is critical to protecting 
threatened areas in and around our national parks, national forests, 
and wildlife refuges, would be reduced to just $100 million, which is 
less than one-third the

[[Page H6522]]

amount we spent for that purpose in 1992 when Mr. Bush was President 
and only one-ninth of the amount of money we are collecting in the land 
and water conservation fund for the purpose specifically of purchasing 
critical lands.
  This bill also imposes a deep cut in energy conservation programs. It 
is 33 percent below the President's request in that area. These 
programs not only increase our Nation's energy efficiency, they also 
prevent pollution and save businesses and individuals large sums of 
money in energy costs. A particularly shortsighted provision is the 50-
percent cut in the President's request for the Federal Energy 
Management Program, which saves taxpayers money by reducing the Federal 
Government's energy costs.
  Furthermore, the bill's low level of funding for fire suppression, 
$83 million below the President's request, is inadequate to meet the 
rising costs of the Forest Service's efforts to fight and prevent 
wildfires.
  In addition, this bill would severely impair programs serving native 
Americans by cutting funding for them by 14 percent below the 
President's request. Particularly hard hit would be the critically 
important health and educational services we currently provide for 
native Americans.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, the bill would reduce funding for the arts and 
humanities by 40 percent from the levels provided in fiscal year 1995. 
In doing so, it would severely jeopardize important cultural, 
educational and artistic programs in hundreds upon hundreds of 
communities throughout the United States.
  I do not fault the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula], for these shortfalls in funding. He 
is an eminently fair and thoughtful gentleman, who has done a very good 
job with this bill in light of the very limited spending allocation his 
subcommittee was granted.
  The fault lies, if I may say so, Mr. Speaker, with the Republican 
leadership's spending priorities, which, simply stated, are wrong. It 
makes no sense to shortchange the many relatively modest programs 
contained in this bill, programs that protect our Nation's resources 
for our children and our grandchildren in order, for example, to help 
pay for a defense spending bill that provides $11 billion in excess of 
what the Pentagon itself requested.
  Mr. Speaker, the bill this rule makes in order does not serve our 
Nation's best interests. It denies future generations the legacy we 
believe we would all like to leave behind: abundant natural resources, 
a clean and well-protected environment, and a cultural richness that 
all Americans can enjoy. When the House considers the bill itself, we 
urge Members to oppose it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon], the distinguished chairman of 
the Committee on Rules, my friend from the great Empire State.
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Columbus, OH, 
a member of the Committee on Rules that does such a great job, for 
yielding me time. She is going to do a great job on this one here 
today, too.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a rule that is open, it is fair, it allows 
cutting amendments, it allows offsetting amendments, it allows 
limitation amendments, and there is no time limit on the bill itself.
  I have to forewarn the Members that after today there will be 29 
legislative days left. That means that we have approximately 13 
appropriation bills and their conference reports to deal with. We have 
three reconciliation bills that must be dealt with. We have the Safe 
Drinking Water Act. We have welfare reform. We have all of these issues 
that have to come to the floor. Each one of them, there are about 85 of 
them, are going to take the best part of a day. When you consider there 
are 29 days left and we have 85 major issues to deal with, a lot is 
going to get left by the boards, because it is imperative we get out of 
here by October 4 and go back home and be where we should be, with our 
constituents.
  So, having said that, let me just say that I hope that the Members, 
if they are going to offer amendments, will work together. We do not 
want to have duplicative amendments. If some of us are interested in 
cutting this particular program or adding to that program, we ought to 
work together so that we do not have 40 or 50 or 60 amendments. Let us 
keep it to as few as we can and still accomplish what we want to do.

                              {time}  1100

  Having said that, let me just say to the gentleman from Ohio, 
Congressman Ralph Regula, and the gentleman from Illinois, Sid Yates, 
what a great job they have done. It is absolutely imperative that this 
Congress stay on the glidepath to a balanced budget. This is the second 
consecutive year that we are doing that, and we have 5 more years to 
go. Every year gets more difficult because the cuts come even deeper, 
but we must absolutely stay on that glidepath to a balanced budget.
  That is why today I am supporting this bill, because it is a part of 
that glidepath, it is $500 million less than last year, and the 
projection for next year is going to be even deeper cuts in this bill 
and all of the other appropriation bills that are coming down the line. 
So, I want to really commend Ralph Regula and Sid Yates, because their 
job was very, very difficult.
  We have very important issues in this Interior bill. They deal with 
our national parks, which are so important to the past and the future 
of this country, and to be able to develop this bill while still 
cutting the overall budget, I think is a great accomplishment. I want 
to commend them for it and hope that this rule and this bill is going 
to pass today so that we can get on and get to welfare reform and 
immigration reform and all of these other important bills that we have 
to deal with in the next 29 days.
  So, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time, and good luck.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 8 minutes to the gentleman from 
Washington [Mr. Dicks].
  (Mr. DICKS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my friend from California 
yielding time to me. I want to talk today about a rather complicated 
issue, and I am pleased that the rule allows us to consider this 
amendment.
  This is an issue that involves the continued existence of 
California's marbled murrelet. The marbled murrelet is a rare sea bird 
that nests in forests along the Pacific coast. It is a small bird that 
spends much of its time at sea feeding on fish. However, during certain 
crucial months each year it nests in California's coniferous forests.
  The marbled murrelet is listed as endangered under the California 
Endangered Species Act and threatened under the Federal Endangered 
Species Act. My colleague and member of the Committee on 
Appropriations, the gentleman from California [Mr. Riggs], has a rider 
on the Interior bill attached in committee last week which could lead 
to the extinction, unfortunately, of the California marbled murrelet.
  The Riggs amendment prohibits implementation of critical habitat 
designation under the Federal Endangered Species Act for the marbled 
murrelet. The rider would apply to most of the private lands in the 
northern coastal area of California that has been identified as 
critical habitat for the marbled murrelet.
  If critical habitat in this California area does not continue to be 
designated, there is strong likelihood of the marbled murrelet 
extinction in northern California, which will most likely affect the 
bird throughout its Pacific Northwest range.
  The Riggs amendment excludes from its coverage 3,000 acres commonly 
called the ``Headquarters Grove,'' but this exception does not include 
headwaters areas that are crucial for survival of the bird in 
California. For example, the exception does not include the Owl Creek 
Forest, a 440-acre stand of old growth coastal coniferous forest that 
contains a key 137-acre marbled murrelet nesting area.
  The Riggs amendment does not provide needed protection for private 
property because critical habitat designation does not stop private 
activities. Critical habitat designation on private land does not stop 
activities, but it results in more careful consideration before Federal 
agencies carry out, approve, or fund activities.
  Critical habitat designation impacts only Federal, not private, 
actions. For

[[Page H6523]]

private land, critical habitat will come into consideration when the 
landowner seeks some Federal permit or approval, such as an incidental 
take permit. Moreover, while critical habitat designation may change 
the Fish and Wildlife Service's calculus in granting a take permit, it 
does not trigger the incidental take process. If marbled murrelets will 
not be injured or killed by logging or designating habitat, the logging 
can proceed without a permit.
  The marbled murrelet is dependent on little areas that remain. In 
California, over the past 150 years, we have taken and harvested much 
of the marbled murrelet's nesting habitat. The number of birds in 
California has dropped from an estimated historic population of 60,000 
to only about 6,000. Because of the marbled murrelet's precarious 
situation, further destruction of its significant habitat makes 
extinction of the northern California population probable.
  The marbled murrelet has special nesting requirements. Every year the 
species loses a majority of its chicks to predation; therefore, it can 
nest successfully only where foliage is thick enough for the chicks to 
hide from predators. In addition, marbled murrelets do not build 
typical nests; instead, they lay eggs in natural depressions on tree 
limbs, so they require large limb structures.

  Critical habitat designation has focused on Federal land. In May 1996 
critical habitat was designated for the marbled murrelet along the 
Pacific coast. Slightly over 1 percent of the designation occurred on 
private land, because the Fish and Wildlife Service worked to designate 
non-Federal lands as critical habitat only ``where Federal lands are 
limited or nonexistent and where non-Federal lands are essential for 
maintaining marbled murrelet populations and nesting habitats.'' A 
total of about 48,000 private acres were designated as critical habitat 
for the bird.
  The Riggs amendment applies to almost all this area, most of which is 
owned by the Pacific Lumber Co.
  The marbled murrelet draft recovery plan emphasizes the importance of 
these acres for marbled murrelet recovery. Suitable nesting habitat on 
Pacific Lumber Co. lands in Humboldt County, CA, is the only, and I 
underline that word, only, available nesting habitat for the southern 
portion of zone 4. This area is situated in a key area close to the 
coast with no Federal lands in the immediate area that are able to 
provide similar recovery distributions.
  That is why I am offering my amendment today, to strike this 
provision. I wanted to emphasize to my colleagues that there are 
remedies here. If we want to get around the designation of critical 
habitat, I should not say get around, but if we want to deal with it, 
what we should do is what I have asked the companies in my State and in 
the Northwest and in Washington State to do, and that is to enter into 
a multispecies habitat conservation plan with the Fish and Wildlife 
Service.
  Through doing a multispecies habitat conservation plan, a person can 
achieve 100 years of certainty on his lands. Now, yes, there is a 
negotiation and certain areas have to be protected on these private 
lands, but that is the way to proceed.
  If one gets a multispecies habitat conservation plan, then they are 
entitled to an incidental take permit, so that if there is a take on 
private lands there will be no Federal sanction.
  The companies in the State of Washington are entering into these 
agreements. Now, if my friend from California can walk in here into the 
Congress and overturn a Federal court decision which directed that 
critical habitat be designated and get relief for his individual 
company, then how am I to ask all of my companies to do the right 
thing, and that is to negotiate a multispecies HCP with the Federal 
Government? So if we do this, the administration has stated in their 
letter to all of us up here on this bill that they will veto the bill.
  Last year we got ourselves into trouble by giving in to these 
substantive riders on this bill. So I urge my colleagues to support my 
amendment today to strike this out. It is the right thing to do for the 
ESA. It is the right thing, I think, to do for the private companies 
because then it will force Pacific Lumber Co., which has not negotiated 
in good faith with the Fish and Wildlife Service, to establish a 
habitat conservation plan; that they cannot come here and get around 
this provision.
  My judgment is that they should go back, sit down with the Fish and 
Wildlife Service, and do what Murray Pacific, Weyerhaeuser, Plum Creek, 
and the major companies in my part of the world are doing, and that is 
negotiating a multispecies habitat conservation plan. So let us defeat 
the Riggs amendment and stand behind the Endangered Species Act.
  I might say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Mr. 
Speaker, that this will be one of the most important environmental 
votes of this Congress.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from the great State of Florida, [Mr. Goss], from the 
Committee on Rules.
  (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Columbus, OH, the 
distinguished Judge Pryce, for yielding me this time, and, Mr. Speaker, 
I rise in strong support of this open rule, yet another open rule from 
the Committee on Rules.
  Members will recall that last year a simple open rule proved to be 
not enough for the Interior bill, so I am especially pleased that we 
seem to have achieved broad bipartisan agreement on how we will 
consider this legislation before us today.
  There were some tough choices this year, including how to treat the 
legislative language in the bill dealing with issues like the strategic 
petroleum reserve and the sale of commercial goods on Indian 
reservation lands. I think we made the right choices upstairs in 
deferring to the authorizing committees on this issue, and I hope that 
those panels will, and I encourage those panels to, look into these 
issues in the very near future because there is a lot of Member 
interest in them.
  Mr. Speaker, the Interior appropriations bill is an important bill 
for the country and it is particularly important for the State of 
Florida, which I am privileged to represent part of. It is the vehicle 
for crucial Everglades restoration funds to meet the Federal commitment 
in our ongoing effort to restore and preserve for future generations 
the unique ``River of Grass,'' as we call the Everglades. It is a 
national treasure. It is a global treasure.
  Although we will have some discussion later in this debate about the 
need to boost and guarantee that commitment in this bill, I wish to 
commend the gentleman from Ohio, Chairman Regula, and the ranking 
member, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Yates, for their attention to 
this unique national treasure and for their commitment to helping us 
have the Federal Government meet its commitment to the State of 
Florida; and the polluters, who have agreed to help pay and clean up 
the Everglades; and the taxpayers of Florida who are involved, and 
there are a great number of them.
  It is an important Federal commitment and there is no reason at this 
point to relinquish it because the job is not done yet.
  Also vital to Florida's economy and our national commitment to wise 
stewardship of the natural resources is the annual outer continental 
shelf oil and gas exploration moratorium, which protects our fragile 
coastline in Florida from oil slicks and pollution. We are grateful for 
the attention we have received.
  Of course, this year's Interior bill is not without some controversy. 
Several programs have been scaled back to achieve budget targets so we 
stay on our glidepath. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, for 
instance, which is used to fund land acquisition in our national parks, 
wildlife refuges, and elsewhere, has been reduced again this year. I 
personally believe that is a false saving, but while I may not agree 
entirely with all the choices made in the bill, I certainly applaud 
Chairman Regula and the members of the Committee on Appropriations for 
their hard work in getting to this point.
  I ask my colleagues to support this rule and support the bill when it 
comes to the floor. I believe we have some amendments that will make it 
even better than it is now.
  Mr. BEILENSION. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my distinguished 
colleague, the gentleman from California [Mr. Brown].

[[Page H6524]]

  (Mr. BROWN of California asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
gentleman from California for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to rise in support of this rule. I 
think it is a very reasonable rule and will allow the House to work its 
will on the bill. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to make 
a few brief statements about the bill itself, which I think would be 
appropriate to make at this time, and I am going to confine myself to 
those parts of the bill which would fall within the authorizing 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Science.
  I want to applaud the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula] for his 
tireless and farsighted support of the fossil energy R&D programs, and 
I enthusiastically commend him for his recognition of the importance of 
academic research in the earthquake hazards program at the U.S. 
Geological Survey, with which I have had a long-time association.
  I understand how difficult it was to fund these programs at the 
desired levels, and I praise the work that he has done on these 
provisions in the bill.
  Although I understand that it was also difficult to fund energy 
conservation R&D at even 10 percent below last year, I cannot support 
the drastic cuts made in this overall program. The gentleman from Ohio 
last year, in connection with the fiscal year 1996 appropriations bill, 
made a commitment to spread reductions in energy conservation over 5 
years and to cut only 10 percent per year, and obviously, it has been 
difficult to do that this year.
  I want to say that energy conservation R&D efforts have produced a 
host of success stories in the past. For example, R&D has developed a 
new window coating that now captures 36 percent of the $4 billion per 
year new window market and has saved taxpayers nearly $2 billion in 
energy savings. Further advances in the laboratory have produced 
windows that lose less heat than the wall within which they are 
embedded.
  Other energy conservation R&D successes include the energy-saving 
compressors that most Americans have in their home refrigerators and 
better and more powerful fluorescent lights.

                              {time}  1115

  These examples show that R&D provides incredible returns to the 
taxpayers in the form of lower energy bills. I might say that this is 
applied R&D, which some Members have criticized as being corporate 
subsidies. It has also produced returns in increased energy security, 
high-technology jobs, environmental protection. The Clinton budget 
recognizes the value of energy research and development for the future 
prosperity of the American economy and seeks to increase these efforts 
by 30 percent within a balanced budget.
  I might say that this is possible within a balanced budget, and the 
so-called blue dog budget provides for this kind of an increase within 
a balanced budget.
  I know that the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula], is well acquainted 
with the accomplishments of these programs and would not cut them if 
the budget constraints put upon him by the budget resolution were not 
so dire. I also believe that in the coming months, if funds become 
available, he will seek higher levels of funding. I commend him for 
this attitude. I will also fight for these programs and support any 
effort to enhance research and development in the energy efficiency 
area.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois [Mr. Weller], a valued new Member of this Congress.
  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Ohio 
for the opportunity to speak on this rule. I rise in support of the 
rule and I also rise in support of this interior appropriations bill.
  This legislation provides a real opportunity to invest in the 
children and also the future of my home State of Illinois.
  I want to point out the extraordinary efforts of my good friend, the 
gentleman from Illinois, Sid Yates, the ranking member, and also the 
leadership of the chairman of this subcommittee, that this 
appropriations legislation invests in an important conservation program 
important to the State of Illinois and, in fact, provides $3.35 million 
to the U.S. Forest Service for continued development and operations of 
the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Park, what has already been 
nicknamed the Yellowstone of the Midwest by many conservationist 
groups. This appropriation legislation also continues an investment 
which the subcommittee and this House last year made of a $400,000 
appropriation.
  The point is that establishment of the Midewin National Tallgrass 
Prairie is a key part of our efforts, a bipartisan effort in the State 
of Illinois, to redevelop the Joliet Arsenal, the largest single of 
piece of property in northern Illinois. In fact, this effort is 
considered a national model for redevelopment of former surplus 
military facilities and something anyone who has a base closing in 
their district should look at. The President signed into law 
legislation to redevelop the Joliet Arsenal in February of this year. 
It was a bipartisan bill, a bipartisan effort.
  This legislation took the almost 24,000 acres of the Joliet Arsenal, 
set aside 19,000 acres for establishment and development of the Midewin 
National Tallgrass Prairie, almost 1,000 acres, what will be the second 
largest national veterans cemetery in the country, and 3,000 acres for 
job creation.
  Clearly, this is an important project. In fact, the people of 
Illinois consider development of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie 
and its funding and continued operation the No. 1 environmental and 
conservation priority for the State of Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Yates and thank Mr. Regula for their 
leadership. It is a win, win, win and deserves bipartisan support.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Colorado [Mrs. Schroeder].
  Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise as one who was born in Portland, 
OR, loves the forests of the Northwest and am very saddened by the fact 
that we are not going to be able to do anything to reverse the clear-
cutting provisions, that are taking them down so much faster than they 
grew up.
  There are many other problems with this bill that saddens me. We gut 
the National Park Service, 18 percent below the President's budget. We 
gut Fish and Wildlife, 20 percent below the administration's request. 
We reduce forest plan funding for $19 million less than the President's 
request. And we do not fund the Everglades as the administration had 
requested.
  I find these all national treasures, national treasures that we 
cannot restore again. Once these are gone, they are gone. I now live in 
Colorado, where we think of ourselves as the lungs of the Nation, and 
we treasure our national parks. So, there is going to be some voting 
today that is going to be very, very key. I hope Members vote on the 
issue.
  I was saddened today to read in the paper that the Speaker was saying 
that he could get Members on that side of the aisle to vote any way he 
wanted just by showing my face. Apparently they have my face on a stick 
over there. I just wanted to show Members that, if they see this, 
please vote the environmental vote. Let us not use this kind of thing 
to stampede Members.
  The Speaker was bragging that he was able to get four Members on that 
side of the aisle to change their vote on the budget to lift the 
deficit from this year to next year just by showing my face. It must 
have been because I was not here.
  So, I want to make sure, if that trick is used on these votes, my 
colleagues have now seen the trick. My colleagues better have a better 
excuse for voting against these really wonderful treasures that we 
should be holding in stewardship and trusteeship for our children and 
for the future.
  Let us listen and let us think and remember, those who voted to 
increase the President's defense budget by $13 billion more than he 
asked for, how can we possibly take away these national treasures that 
our forefathers and foremothers had the vision to put away? If we do 
not fund them and if we do not maintain them, we are going to lose 
them.
  Just remember, many in this body voted to increase the defense 
funding, and they have now got to gash and cut

[[Page H6525]]

away at the environmental funding. They have even raised the deficit 
from this year to next year. Please do not do it with my face. Please 
do it on the merits.
  I cannot really believe that the Speaker meant folks on that side 
were that afraid of me. I am being made the big, bad wolf, I guess. 
Well, do not be afraid of me. I am a 55-year-old woman. This face is 
not going to kill you. Do not run from this face and do not run from 
the vote. I want no more excuses.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Farr].
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding time to me.
  I rise on this rule, and I think it is a good rule and am going to 
support it, but to point out that the rule also allows for this bill to 
be amended. I want to offer an amendment, an amendment that is 
consistent with the purpose for which this fund was created, the land 
and water conservation fund.
  The Congress back in the 1960's enacted this bill and said that we 
are going to allow for offshore oil drilling of Federal lands and the 
revenues from those Federal lands, from public lands will be put into a 
fund and then that fund will be used to help all the States, not just 
those coastal States that have offshore oil drilling but all the States 
for all the people of the United States. My amendment shows that we 
have not been doing that. In essence we have taken, that account now 
has about $900 million a year income, and reappropriated about $400 
million out of that.
  Of that $400 million, $300 million goes back to the oil companies to 
essentially do research for multinational corporations to do research. 
The problem I have with that is, oil is also being drilled on State 
lands. It is being drilled on private lands, and there is no 
requirement that in those types of drilling operations that money goes 
back for that purpose.
  Then we have shortchanged the money that goes back to the Department 
of the Interior and to our States and from our States to our counties 
and to our cities. I am concerned that this fund, which Congress set up 
originally for that purpose, is not being used for that purpose 
anymore. It is being used to do a lot of other things. So in my 
amendment I shift that balance. Instead of two-thirds for the people of 
America, I suggest that we reverse that and make the funding priorities 
just the opposite: one-third for the oil companies and two-thirds for 
all the citizens of the United States of present and future generations 
and visitors who are lawfully present within the boundaries of the 
United States so that they can enjoy the quality and quantity of 
outdoor recreational resources as may be available and are necessary 
and desirable for individual active participation in such recreation to 
strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United 
States.
  I am reading exactly from the bill, from the law that Congress in the 
1960's adopted. So, Mr. Speaker, the distinguished chairman of the 
Committee on Appropriations, I think, has done a very good job under 
hard work, but I thank on this one my colleague has missed the mark. My 
colleague has essentially not put the priorities where the public wants 
the priorities to be. There is not a city, there is not a county, there 
is not a State that is not in need of more resources to buy from 
willing sellers, to invest in management opportunities. So for every 
Member of Congress, my amendment has something in it for them. I would 
urge that, when that amendment comes up under the rule that we are 
debating and will be adopting, we all vote for that amendment.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula], my friend and chairman of the 
subcommittee.
  (Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to 
me.
  Let me just say that I hope all the Members will carefully review 
this bill. I think we have done a good job. We have been very 
bipartisan in terms of projects. There have been on both sides of the 
aisle projects that have been funded. The bill recognizes the fact that 
we have a limited amount of money, we have tried to manage our 
resources carefully.
  This bill is a billion and a half dollars less than in 1995. That is 
a billion and a half that our children and grandchildren will not have 
to pay in terms of national debt and in terms of interest on that debt. 
But in the process, I think we have taken care of the important things, 
and we will discuss that more in the general debate.
  I certainly would again urge all of the Members to look carefully at 
the details of the bill. I think working with the gentleman from 
Illinois [Mr. Yates], my colleague on the subcommittee, that we have 
tried to bring to the floor today a responsible bill given the 
constraints that were put upon us by reducing the spending by the 
reduced allocation. We have tried to address the important things.
  Last year I talked about must-do's, need-to-do's and nice-to-do's. 
The must-do's we have done; added $55 million for the parks, for 
example. Need-to-do's, we have tried to take care of problem areas. We 
have done things like finish construction that was underway, put a lot 
of money in for repairs and maintenance. That is very important, and 
those are need-to-do's. On the nice-to-do's, we have to scale back 
considerably, but it is important.
  We also recognize the fact that the taxpayers foot the bill for all 
of this, and so I think on balance we have done a responsible job. I 
would urge my colleagues to vote for the rule. It is an open rule. 
Members will have an opportunity to offer amendments as they see fit.
  Given those circumstances, I would not see any reason not to support 
the rule. I urge all Members to do so.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from West Virginia [Mr. Rahall].
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule as well as the fiscal 
year 1997 appropriation bill itself and the Interior Department and 
related agencies. While it is not the perfect Interior appropriation 
bill, I do commend the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula] for the manner 
and the actions that he took within the context of the spending 
allocations with which he has dealt.

                              {time}  1130

  I believe that he did a decent job of providing for those programs 
which are the most important. We are, after all, in an era of having to 
make decisions in order to prioritize our scarce resource dollars.
  So while it is true that this bill is about $400 million less than 
current year funding, it should be noted that part of this reduction 
can be contributed to the fact that several programs have been 
terminated and no longer require funding. This is an important fact to 
bear in mind.
  Further, while cuts are being proposed for energy conservation and 
research programs, those reductions are allowing more funds to be 
plowed into operating our National Park System wildlife refuges, 
endangered species and other resource management agency programs. In my 
view these are some of the most important aspects of the Interior 
appropriation bill.
  But most importantly I am supporting this bill because it does not 
reduce funding for the Office of Surface Mining, and it contains the 
moratorium on the processing and issuance of hard rock mining patents, 
an issue this House has expressed itself on unanimously on a number of 
occasions. The OSM in both its regulatory functions and through the 
abandoned mine reclamation program well serves the citizens of our 
Nation's coalfields.
  So I commend the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Regula], express my 
gratitude to him for resisting the agenda being advanced by certain 
quarters to gut the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 
through backdoor approaches such through OSM's budget. The agency took 
a severe hit in the current year appropriation. It is operating with 
about 25 percent less Federal inspectors, and it is coping and under 
the leadership of Director Bob Uram. It is doing a job.
  So I commend the fact this bill is largely free of controversial 
anti-environment, anti-public interest riders

[[Page H6526]]

which plagued our consideration for so many appropriation bills last 
year.
  Amendments might be offered today, Mr. Speaker. Many of my colleagues 
on this side of the aisle will vote for them. Fine. I may vote for them 
as well. But when all is said and done, let us vote for this Interior 
appropriation bill and vote for the rule.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I will reserve the balance of my time until 
my friend, the gentleman from California [Mr. Beilenson] concludes.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this Congress the Republican 
majority claimed that the House was going to consider bills under an 
open process.
  I would like to point out that 62 percent of the legislation this 
session has been considered under a restrictive process.
  At this point I insert the following extraneous material in the 
Record:
  


          FLOOR PROCEDURE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION; COMPILED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS          
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Process used for floor   Amendments in
            Bill No.                    Title           Resolution No.         consideration           order    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 1*........................  Compliance........  H. Res. 6            Closed................           None.
H. Res. 6......................  Opening Day Rules   H. Res. 5            Closed................           None.
                                  Package.                                                                      
H.R. 5*........................  Unfunded Mandates.  H. Res. 38           Restrictive...........            N/A.
H.J. Res. 2*...................  Balanced Budget...  H. Res. 44           Restrictive...........         2R; 4D.
H. Res. 43.....................  Committee Hearings  H. Res. 43 (OJ)      Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Scheduling.                                                                   
H.R. 101.......................  To transfer a       H. Res. 51           Open..................            N/A.
                                  parcel of land to                                                             
                                  the Taos Pueblo                                                               
                                  Indians of New                                                                
                                  Mexico.                                                                       
H.R. 400.......................  To provide for the  H. Res. 52           Open..................            N/A.
                                  exchange of lands                                                             
                                  within Gates of                                                               
                                  the Arctic                                                                    
                                  National Park                                                                 
                                  Preserve.                                                                     
H.R. 440.......................  To provide for the  H. Res. 53           Open..................            N/A.
                                  conveyance of                                                                 
                                  lands to certain                                                              
                                  individuals in                                                                
                                  Butte County,                                                                 
                                  California.                                                                   
H.R. 2*........................  Line Item Veto....  H. Res. 55           Open..................            N/A.
H.R. 665*......................  Victim Restitution  H. Res. 61           Open..................            N/A.
                                  Act of 1995.                                                                  
H.R. 666*......................  Exclusionary Rule   H. Res. 63           Open..................            N/A.
                                  Reform Act of                                                                 
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 667*......................  Violent Criminal    H. Res. 63           Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Incarceration Act                                                             
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.R. 668*......................  The Criminal Alien  H. Res. 69           Open..................            N/A.
                                  Deportation                                                                   
                                  Improvement Act.                                                              
H.R. 728*......................  Local Government    H. Res. 79           Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Law Enforcement                                                               
                                  Block Grants.                                                                 
H.R. 7*........................  National Security   H. Res. 83           Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Revitalization                                                                
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 729*......................  Death Penalty/      N/A                  Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Habeas.                                                                       
S. 2...........................  Senate Compliance.  N/A                  Closed................           None.
H.R. 831.......................  To Permanently      H. Res. 88           Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Extend the Health                                                             
                                  Insurance                                                                     
                                  Deduction for the                                                             
                                  Self-Employed.                                                                
H.R. 830*......................  The Paperwork       H. Res. 91           Open..................            N/A.
                                  Reduction Act.                                                                
H.R. 889.......................  Emergency           H. Res. 92           Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Supplemental/                                                                 
                                  Rescinding                                                                    
                                  Certain Budget                                                                
                                  Authority.                                                                    
H.R. 450*......................  Regulatory          H. Res. 93           Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Moratorium.                                                                   
H.R. 1022*.....................  Risk Assessment...  H. Res. 96           Restrictive...........            N/A.
H.R. 926*......................  Regulatory          H. Res. 100          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Flexibility.                                                                  
H.R. 925*......................  Private Property    H. Res. 101          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Protection Act.                                                               
H.R. 1058*.....................  Securities          H. Res. 105          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Litigation Reform                                                             
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 988*......................  The Attorney        H. Res. 104          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Accountability                                                                
                                  Act of 1995.                                                                  
H.R. 956*......................  Product Liability   H. Res. 109          Restrictive...........         8D; 7R.
                                  and Legal Reform                                                              
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 1158......................  Making Emergency    H. Res. 115          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Supplemental                                                                  
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  and Rescissions.                                                              
H.J. Res. 73*..................  Term Limits.......  H. Res. 116          Restrictive...........          1D; 3R
H.R. 4*........................  Welfare Reform....  H. Res. 119          Restrictive...........        5D; 26R.
H.R. 1271*.....................  Family Privacy Act  H. Res. 125          Open..................            N/A.
H.R. 660*......................  Housing for Older   H. Res. 126          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Persons Act.                                                                  
H.R. 1215*.....................  The Contract With   H. Res. 129          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  America Tax                                                                   
                                  Relief Act of                                                                 
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 483.......................  Medicare Select     H. Res. 130          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Extension.                                                                    
H.R. 655.......................  Hydrogen Future     H. Res. 136          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 1361......................  Coast Guard         H. Res. 139          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Authorization.                                                                
H.R. 961.......................  Clean Water Act...  H. Res. 140          Open..................            N/A.
H.R. 535.......................  Corning National    H. Res. 144          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Fish Hatchery                                                                 
                                  Conveyance Act.                                                               
H.R. 584.......................  Conveyance of the   H. Res. 145          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Fairport National                                                             
                                  Fish Hatchery to                                                              
                                  the State of Iowa.                                                            
H.R. 614.......................  Conveyance of the   H. Res. 146          Open..................            N/A.
                                  New London                                                                    
                                  National Fish                                                                 
                                  Hatchery                                                                      
                                  Production                                                                    
                                  Facility.                                                                     
H. Con. Res. 67................  Budget Resolution.  H. Res. 149          Restrictive...........         3D; 1R.
H.R. 1561......................  American Overseas   H. Res. 155          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Interests Act of                                                              
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 1530......................  National Defense    H. Res. 164          Restrictive...........     36R; 18D; 2
                                  Authorization                                                      Bipartisan.
                                  Act; FY 1996.                                                                 
H.R. 1817......................  Military            H. Res. 167          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Construction                                                                  
                                  Appropriations;                                                               
                                  FY 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 1854......................  Legislative Branch  H. Res. 169          Restrictive...........       5R; 4D; 2
                                  Appropriations.                                                    Bipartisan.
H.R. 1868......................  Foreign Operations  H. Res. 170          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 1905......................  Energy & Water      H. Res. 171          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.J. Res. 79...................  Constitutional      H. Res. 173          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Amendment to                                                                  
                                  Permit Congress                                                               
                                  and States to                                                                 
                                  Prohibit the                                                                  
                                  Physical                                                                      
                                  Desecration of                                                                
                                  the American Flag.                                                            
H.R. 1944......................  Recissions Bill...  H. Res. 175          Restrictive...........            N/A.
H.R. 1868 (2nd rule)...........  Foreign Operations  H. Res. 177          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 1977 *Rule Defeated*......  Interior            H. Res. 185          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 1977......................  Interior            H. Res. 187          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 1976......................  Agriculture         H. Res. 188          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 1977 (3rd rule)...........  Interior            H. Res. 189          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 2020......................  Treasury Postal     H. Res. 190          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.J. Res. 96...................  Disapproving MFN    H. Res. 193          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  for China.                                                                    
H.R. 2002......................  Transportation      H. Res. 194          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 70........................  Exports of Alaskan  H. Res. 197          Open..................            N/A.
                                  North Slope Oil.                                                              
H.R. 2076......................  Commerce, Justice   H. Res. 198          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 2099......................  VA/HUD              H. Res. 201          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
S. 21..........................  Termination of      H. Res. 204          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  U.S. Arms Embargo                                                             
                                  on Bosnia.                                                                    
H.R. 2126......................  Defense             H. Res. 205          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations.                                                               
H.R. 1555......................  Communications Act  H. Res. 207          Restrictive...........     2R/3D/3 Bi-
                                  of 1995.                                                             partisan.
H.R. 2127......................  Labor/HHS           H. Res. 208          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 1594......................  Economically        H. Res. 215          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Targeted                                                                      
                                  Investments.                                                                  
H.R. 1655......................  Intelligence        H. Res. 216          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Authorization.                                                                
H.R. 1162......................  Deficit Reduction   H. Res. 218          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Lock Box.                                                                     
H.R. 1670......................  Federal             H. Res. 219          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Acquisition                                                                   
                                  Reform Act of                                                                 
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 1617......................  To Consolidate and  H. Res. 222          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Reform Workforce                                                              
                                  Development and                                                               
                                  Literacy Programs                                                             
                                  Act (CAREERS).                                                                
H.R. 2274......................  National Highway    H. Res. 224          Open..................            N/A.
                                  System                                                                        
                                  Designation Act                                                               
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.R. 927.......................  Cuban Liberty and   H. Res. 225          Restrictive...........          2R/2D.
                                  Democratic                                                                    
                                  Solidarity Act of                                                             
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 743.......................  The Teamwork for    H. Res. 226          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Employees and                                                                 
                                  Managers Act of                                                               
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 1170......................  3-Judge Court for   H. Res. 227          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Certain                                                                       
                                  Injunctions.                                                                  
H.R. 1601......................  International       H. Res. 228          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Space Station                                                                 
                                  Authorization Act                                                             
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.J. Res. 108..................  Making Continuing   H. Res. 230          Closed................  ..............
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  for FY 1996.                                                                  
H.R. 2405......................  Omnibus Civilian    H. Res. 234          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Science                                                                       
                                  Authorization Act                                                             
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.R. 2259......................  To Disapprove       H. Res. 237          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Certain                                                                       
                                  Sentencing                                                                    
                                  Guideline                                                                     
                                  Amendments.                                                                   
H.R. 2425......................  Medicare            H. Res. 238          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Preservation Act.                                                             
H.R. 2492......................  Legislative Branch  H. Res. 239          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  Bill.                                                                         
H.R. 2491......................  7 Year Balanced     H. Res. 245          Restrictive...........             1D.
H. Con. Res. 109...............   Budget                                                                        
                                  Reconciliation                                                                
                                  Social Security                                                               
                                  Earnings Test                                                                 
                                  Reform.                                                                       
H.R. 1833......................  Partial Birth       H. Res. 251          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Abortion Ban Act                                                              
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.R. 2546......................  D.C.                H. Res. 252          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Appropriations FY                                                             
                                  1996.                                                                         
H.J. Res. 115..................  Further Continuing  H. Res. 257          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  for FY 1996.                                                                  
H.R. 2586......................  Temporary Increase  H. Res. 258          Restrictive...........             5R.
                                  in the Statutory                                                              
                                  Debt Limit.                                                                   
H.R. 2539......................  ICC Termination...  H. Res. 259          Open..................  ..............

[[Page H6527]]

                                                                                                                
H.J. Res. 115..................  Further Continuing  H. Res. 261          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  for FY 1996.                                                                  
H.R. 2586......................  Temporary Increase  H. Res. 262          Closed................            N/A.
                                  in the Statutory                                                              
                                  Limit on the                                                                  
                                  Public Debt.                                                                  
H. Res. 250....................  House Gift Rule     H. Res. 268          Closed................             2R.
                                  Reform.                                                                       
H.R. 2564......................  Lobbying            H. Res. 269          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Disclosure Act of                                                             
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 2606......................  Prohibition on      H. Res. 273          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Funds for Bosnia                                                              
                                  Deployment.                                                                   
H.R. 1788......................  Amtrak Reform and   H. Res. 289          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Privatization Act                                                             
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.R. 1350......................  Maritime Security   H. Res. 287          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Act of 1995.                                                                  
H.R. 2621......................  To Protect Federal  H. Res. 293          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Trust Funds.                                                                  
H.R. 1745......................  Utah Public Lands   H. Res. 303          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Management Act of                                                             
                                  1995.                                                                         
H. Res. 304....................  Providing for       N/A                  Closed................         1D; 2R.
                                  Debate and                                                                    
                                  Consideration of                                                              
                                  Three Measures                                                                
                                  Relating to U.S.                                                              
                                  Troop Deployments                                                             
                                  in Bosnia.                                                                    
H. Res. 309....................  Revised Budget      H. Res. 309          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Resolution.                                                                   
H.R. 558.......................  Texas Low-Level     H. Res. 313          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Radioactive Waste                                                             
                                  Disposal Compact                                                              
                                  Consent Act.                                                                  
H.R. 2677......................  The National Parks  H. Res. 323          Closed................            N/A.
                                  and National                                                                  
                                  Wildlife Refuge                                                               
                                  Systems Freedom                                                               
                                  Act of 1995.                                                                  
                                   PROCEDURE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION                                   
                                                                                                                
H.R. 1643......................  To authorize the    H. Res. 334          Closed................            N/A.
                                  extension of                                                                  
                                  nondiscriminatory                                                             
                                  treatment (MFN)                                                               
                                  to the products                                                               
                                  of Bulgaria.                                                                  
H.J. Res. 134..................  Making continuing   H. Res. 336          Closed................            N/A.
H. Con. Res. 131...............   appropriations/                                                               
                                  establishing                                                                  
                                  procedures making                                                             
                                  the transmission                                                              
                                  of the continuing                                                             
                                  resolution H.J.                                                               
                                  Res. 134.                                                                     
H.R. 1358......................  Conveyance of       H. Res. 338          Closed................            N/A.
                                  National Marine                                                               
                                  Fisheries Service                                                             
                                  Laboratory at                                                                 
                                  Gloucester,                                                                   
                                  Massachusetts.                                                                
H.R. 2924......................  Social Security     H. Res. 355          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Guarantee Act.                                                                
H.R. 2854......................  The Agricultural    H. Res. 366          Restrictive...........       5D; 9R; 2
                                  Market Transition                                                  Bipartisan.
                                  Program.                                                                      
H.R. 994.......................  Regulatory Sunset   H. Res. 368          Open rule; Rule tabled            N/A.
                                  & Review Act of                                                               
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.R. 3021......................  To Guarantee the    H. Res. 371          Closed rule...........            N/A.
                                  Continuing Full                                                               
                                  Investment of                                                                 
                                  Social Security                                                               
                                  and Other Federal                                                             
                                  Funds in                                                                      
                                  Obligations of                                                                
                                  the United States.                                                            
H.R. 3019......................  A Further           H. Res. 372          Restrictive...........          2D/2R.
                                  Downpayment                                                                   
                                  Toward a Balanced                                                             
                                  Budget.                                                                       
H.R. 2703......................  The Effective       H. Res. 380          Restrictive...........       6D; 7R; 4
                                  Death Penalty and                                                  Bipartisan.
                                  Public Safety Act                                                             
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 2202......................  The Immigration     H. Res. 384          Restrictive...........     12D; 19R; 1
                                  and National                                                       Bipartisan.
                                  Interest Act of                                                               
                                  1995.                                                                         
H.J. Res. 165..................  Making further      H. Res. 386          Closed................            N/A.
                                  continuing                                                                    
                                  appropriations                                                                
                                  for FY 1996.                                                                  
H.R. 125.......................  The Gun Crime       H. Res. 388          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Enforcement and                                                               
                                  Second Amendment                                                              
                                  Restoration Act                                                               
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 3136......................  The Contract With   H. Res. 391          Closed................            N/A.
                                  America                                                                       
                                  Advancement Act                                                               
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 3103......................  The Health          H. Res. 392          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Coverage                                                                      
                                  Availability and                                                              
                                  Affordability Act                                                             
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.J. Res. 159..................  Tax Limitation      H. Res. 395          Restrictive...........              1D
                                  Constitutional                                                                
                                  Amendment.                                                                    
H.R. 842.......................  Truth in Budgeting  H. Res. 396          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 2715......................  Paperwork           H. Res. 409          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Elimination Act                                                               
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 1675......................  National Wildlife   H. Res. 410          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Refuge                                                                        
                                  Improvement Act                                                               
                                  of 1995.                                                                      
H.J. Res. 175..................  Further Continuing  H. Res. 411          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations                                                                
                                  for FY 1996.                                                                  
H.R. 2641......................  United States       H. Res. 418          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Marshals Service                                                              
                                  Improvement Act                                                               
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 2149......................  The Ocean Shipping  H. Res. 419          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Reform Act.                                                                   
H.R. 2974......................  To amend the        H. Res. 421          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Violent Crime                                                                 
                                  Control and Law                                                               
                                  Enforcement Act                                                               
                                  of 1994 to                                                                    
                                  provide enhanced                                                              
                                  penalties for                                                                 
                                  crimes against                                                                
                                  elderly and child                                                             
                                  victims.                                                                      
H.R. 3120......................  To amend Title 18,  H. Res. 422          Open..................            N/A.
                                  United States                                                                 
                                  Code, with                                                                    
                                  respect to                                                                    
                                  witness                                                                       
                                  retaliation,                                                                  
                                  witness tampering                                                             
                                  and jury                                                                      
                                  tampering.                                                                    
H.R. 2406......................  The United States   H. Res. 426          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Housing Act of                                                                
                                  1996.                                                                         
H.R. 3322......................  Omnibus Civilian    H. Res. 427          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Science                                                                       
                                  Authorization Act                                                             
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 3286......................  The Adoption        H. Res. 428          Restrictive...........         1D; 1R.
                                  Promotion and                                                                 
                                  Stability Act of                                                              
                                  1996.                                                                         
H.R. 3230......................  Defense             H. Res. 430          Restrictive...........      41 amends;
                                  Authorization                                                      20D; 17R; 4
                                  Bill FY 1997.                                                       bipartisan
H.R. 3415......................  Repeal of the 4.3-  H. Res. 436          Closed................            N/A.
                                  Cent Increase in                                                              
                                  Transporation                                                                 
                                  Fuel Taxes.                                                                   
H.R. 3259......................  Intelligence        H. Res. 437          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Authorization Act                                                             
                                  for FY 1997.                                                                  
H.R. 3144......................  The Defend America  H. Res. 438          Restrictive...........             1D.
                                  Act.                                                                          
H.R. 3448/H.R. 1227............  The Small Business  H. Res. 440          Restrictive...........             2R.
                                  Job Protection                                                                
                                  Act of 1996, and                                                              
                                  The Employee                                                                  
                                  Commuting                                                                     
                                  Flexibility Act                                                               
                                  of 1996.                                                                      
H.R. 3517......................  Military            H. Res. 442          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Construction                                                                  
                                  Appropriations FY                                                             
                                  1997.                                                                         
H.R. 3540......................  Foreign Operations  H. Res. 445          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations FY                                                             
                                  1997.                                                                         
H.R. 3562......................  The Wisconsin       H. Res. 446          Restrictive...........            N/A.
                                  Works Waiver                                                                  
                                  Approval Act.                                                                 
H.R. 2754......................  Shipbuilding Trade  H. Res. 448          Restrictive...........             1R.
                                  Agreement Act.                                                                
H.R. 3603......................  Agriculture         H. Res. 451          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations FY                                                             
                                  1997.                                                                         
H.R. 3610......................  Defense             H. Res. 453          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations FY                                                             
                                  1997.                                                                         
H.R. 3662......................  Interior            H. Res. 455          Open..................            N/A.
                                  Appropriations FY                                                             
                                  1997.                                                                         
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Contract Bills, 67% restrictive; 33% open. ** All legislation 1st Session, 53% restrictive; 47% open. *** All 
  legislation 2d Session, 62% restrictive; 38% open. **** All legislation 104th Congress, 56% restrictive; 44%  
  open. ***** NR indicates that the legislation being considered by the House for amendment has circumvented    
  standard procedure and was never reported from any House committee. ****** PQ Indicates that previous question
  was ordered on the resolution. ******* Restrictive rules are those which limit the number of amendments which 
  can be offered, and include so-called modified open and modified closed rules as well as completely closed    
  rules and rules providing for consideration in the House as opposed to the Committee of the Whole. This       
  definition of restrictive rule is taken from the Republican chart of resolutions reported from the Rules      
  Committee in the 103d Congress. N/A means not available.                                                      



             Legislation in the 104th Congress, 2d Session

       To date 14 out of 35 of the bills considered under rules in 
     the 2d session of the 104th Congress have been considered 
     under an irregular procedure which circumvents the standard 
     committee procedure. They have been brought to the floor 
     without any committee reporting them. They are as follows:
       H.R. 1643, to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory 
     treatment (MFN) to the products of Bulgaria.
       H.J. Res. 134, making continuing appropriations for fiscal 
     year 1996.
       H.R. 1358, conveyance of National Marine Fisheries Service 
     Laboratory at Gloucester, Massachusetts.
       H.R. 2924, the Social Security Guarantee Act.
       H.R. 3021, to guarantee the continuing full investment of 
     Social Security and other Federal funds in obligations of the 
     United States.
       H.R. 3019, a further downpayment toward a balanced budget.
       H.R. 2703, the Effective Death Penalty and Public Safety 
     Act of 1996.
       H.J. Res. 165, making further continuing appropriations for 
     fiscal year 1996.
       H.R. 125, the Crime Enforcement and Second Amendment 
     Restoration Act of 1996.
       H.R. 3136, the Contract With America Advancement Act of 
     1996.
       H.J. Res. 159, tax limitation constitutional amendment.
       H.R. 1675, National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 
     1995.
       H.J. Res. 175, making further continuing appropriations for 
     fiscal year 1996.
       H.R. 3562 the Wisconsin Works Waiver Approval Act.

  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join the 
gentlewoman from Ohio [Ms. Pryce] and I in voting for this open, fair 
rule.
  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time 
remaining on this side, and I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. 
Beilenson] for his remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot of criticism here this morning about 
the funding levels contained in this bill. Let me say that I, for one, 
recognize that Chairman Regula  and the members of the committee have 
made difficult choices in crafting this year's bill. It is never easy 
to reverse years of spiraling increases and bloating bureaucracies.
  The chairman's system of prioritizing the must-do's, the need-to-
do's, and the nice-to-do's, reflects the kind of fiscal restraint and 
responsibility that we need in order to keep us on the glidepath to a 
balanced Federal budget.
  The 1997 Interior appropriations bill is all making good Government 
choices and responsible spending decisions. It saves the American 
taxpayers $500 million from last year's level, and roughly $1.5 billion 
from the 1995 level, while focusing resources on programs that are 
important to the American people--the

[[Page H6528]]

national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and the Nation's great 
cultural landmarks.
  Under the terms of this fair and open rule, the House will have an 
opportunity to give full consideration to the environmental, cultural, 
and Native American programs contained in this year's bill. I urge my 
colleagues to give this rule their full support.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the 
previous question on the resolution.
  The previous question was ordered.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________