[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H7269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SAFE DRINKING WATER

  (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise an extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans seem to be obsessed with 
this welfare business but there are some issues that are much bigger 
than welfare. Clean drinking water in this country is something that 
everybody needs, whether you are Republican or Democrat.
  The front page of the Washington Post has a story that you cannot 
drink the water in Washington, DC.
  Now, if you look at USA Today they are talking about Washington State 
and the problems with drinking water there.
  Yet this House dawdles and does not appoint the conferees to deal 
with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Now, it is amazing to me that you can 
sit here and talk about some welfare waiver when, in fact, this city, 
the capital of the United States, the most powerful country in the 
world, if you come to my office or come to the Speaker's office or any 
other office, they will not get you a glass of water from the tap.
  Every one of us drinks bottled water in this building. You go in 
those Cloakrooms, both sides, you have bottled water.
  The American people are entitled to safe drinking water. Appoint the 
conferees, Mr. Speaker.

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