[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H9950-H9953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          UKRAINE INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 120) supporting the independence 
and sovereignty of Ukraine and the progress of its political and 
economic reforms, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 120

       Whereas August 24, 1996, marks the fifth anniversary of the 
     independence of Ukraine;
       Whereas the independent State of Ukraine is a member State 
     of the United Nations and the United Nations has established 
     in Ukraine an office to assist Ukraine in building relations 
     with the international community and in coordinating 
     international assistance for Ukraine;
       Whereas the independent State of Ukraine is a member State 
     of the Council of Europe, the Organization on Security and 
     Cooperation in Europe, the Central European Initiative, and 
     the North Atlantic Cooperation Council of the North Atlantic 
     Alliance, is a participant in the Partnership for Peace 
     program of the North Atlantic Alliance, and has entered into 
     a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European 
     Union;
       Whereas the United States recognized Ukraine as an 
     independent State on December 25, 1991;
       Whereas Ukraine is a major European nation, having the 
     second largest territory and sixth largest population of all 
     the States of Europe;
       Whereas Ukraine has an important geopolitical and economic 
     role to play within Central and Eastern Europe and a strong, 
     stable, and secure Ukraine serves the interests of peace and 
     stability in all of Europe, which is also an important 
     national security interest of the United States;
       Whereas Ukraine conducted its first presidential and 
     parliamentary elections as an independent State in 1994, 
     carrying such elections out in a free and fair manner and 
     moving further away from the former communist model of one-
     party, centralized, totalitarian rule;
       Whereas Ukraine's presidential elections of July 1994 
     resulted in the first peaceful transfer of executive power in 
     any of the independent States of the former Soviet Union;
       Whereas on June 28, 1996, the Parliament of Ukraine adopted 
     a new constitution for Ukraine;
       Whereas Ukraine's economic and social stability depend on 
     its ability to build a stable market-based economy and a 
     legal system based on the rule of law, attract foreign 
     investment, improve tax and revenue collection, and build its 
     export sectors;
       Whereas Ukraine was the first of the independent states of 
     the former Soviet Union to have appointed a civilian to the 
     office of Minister of Defense, an historic precedent in 
     support of civilian control and oversight of the armed forces 
     of Ukraine;
       Whereas Ukraine is pursuing political and economic reforms 
     intended to ensure its future strength, stability, and 
     security and to ensure that it will assume its rightful place 
     among the international community of democratic States and in 
     European and trans-Atlantic institutions;
       Whereas through the agreement by the Government of Ukraine 
     to the establishment of a mission from the Organization on 
     Security and Cooperation in Europe in the region of Crimea, 
     Ukraine has shown its interest in avoiding the use of force 
     in resolving ethnic and regional disputes within Ukraine;
       Whereas all nuclear weapons were removed from Ukraine by 
     June 1, 1996, and Ukraine has taken very positive steps in 
     supporting

[[Page H9951]]

     efforts to stem proliferation of nuclear weapons by ratifying 
     the START-I Treaty on nuclear disarmament and the Treaty on 
     the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;
       Whereas in December 1994, the Presidents of the United 
     States and the Russian Federation and the Prime Minister of 
     Great Britain signed a Memorandum on National Security 
     Assurances for Ukraine as depository States under the Treaty 
     on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;
       Whereas the Secretary of Defense of the United States and 
     the Minister of Defense of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of 
     Understanding on cooperation in the field of defense and 
     military relations on July 27, 1993;
       Whereas Ukraine has sought to promote constructive 
     cooperation with its neighbors through humanitarian 
     assistance and through mediation of disputes;
       Whereas Ukraine has provided Ukrainian troops as part of 
     the international peacekeeping force meant to prevent the 
     spread of conflict in the states of the former Yugoslavia; 
     and
       Whereas Ukraine has acted in defense of its sovereignty and 
     that of other newly independent states by opposing the 
     emergence of any political or military organization which has 
     the potential to promote the reintegration of the states of 
     the former Soviet Union: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) Ukraine has made significant progress in political 
     reform in its first 5 years of independence and that it is to 
     be congratulated for the successful conduct of free and fair 
     elections for the presidency and parliament and for the 
     adoption of a new constitution;
       (2) the territorial integrity of Ukraine in its existing 
     borders is an important element of European peace and 
     stability;
       (3) the President and Parliament of Ukraine should focus 
     their efforts on passing legislation needed to implement the 
     new democratic constitution;
       (4) the Government of Ukraine should continue its efforts 
     to ensure the rights of all citizens of Ukraine regardless of 
     their ethnic or religious background;
       (5) the Government of Ukraine should make its first 
     priority the dismantling of the remaining socialist sectors 
     of its economy, particularly by speedily privatizing medium 
     and large state-owned enterprises, privatizing state and 
     collective farms and ending their monopolistic control of the 
     agro-industrial sector, and fostering a competitive market-
     based energy sector;
       (6) the Government of Ukraine should make the necessary 
     institutional and legal reforms to create a stable tax 
     regime, foster market-based competition, protect the right to 
     private property, and make other changes that build a 
     positive climate for foreign investment;
       (7) the Government of Ukraine should make it a priority to 
     build the institutional capacity and legal framework needed 
     to fight crime and corruption effectively in a democratic 
     environment;
       (8) the Government of Ukraine should continue its 
     cooperative efforts with the ``G-7'' group of States to 
     safely and expeditiously shut down the nuclear reactors at 
     Chernobyl, Ukraine;
       (9) the President of the United States should support 
     continued United States assistance to Ukraine for its 
     political and economic reforms, for efforts associated with 
     the safe and secure dismantlement of its weapons of mass 
     destruction, and for the increased safety of operation of its 
     civilian nuclear reactors, and assistance for the 
     establishment of rule of law, for criminal justice and law 
     enforcement training, and for the promotion of trade and 
     investment, and in this regard United States assistance to 
     the Ukraine should leverage private-sector involvement as 
     much as possible;
       (10) the President of the United States should urge that 
     the Government of the Russian Federation, in line with the 
     assurances for the security of Ukraine made by the President 
     of the Russian Federation in the January 1994 Trilateral 
     Statement on Nuclear Disarmament in Ukraine, offer Ukraine 
     its promised highest possible cooperation, fully and 
     finally recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial 
     integrity and refraining from any economic coercion of 
     Ukraine;
       (11) the Government of Ukraine should continue to act in 
     defense of its sovereignty and that of the other independent 
     states of the former Soviet Union by opposing the emergence 
     of any political or military organization which would have 
     the potential to promote the reintegration of the states of 
     the former Soviet Union;
       (12) the President of the United States should ensure that 
     Ukraine's national security interests are fully considered in 
     any review of European security arrangements and 
     understandings;
       (13) the President of the United States should support 
     continued United States security assistance for Ukraine, 
     including assistance for training of military officers, 
     military exercises as part of the North Atlantic Alliance's 
     Partnership for Peace program, and appropriate military 
     equipment to assist Ukraine in maintaining its defensive 
     capabilities as it reduces its military force levels;
       (14) the President of the United States should ensure the 
     United States Government's continued efforts to assist 
     Ukraine in its accession to the World Trade Organization; and 
     should ensure, in particular, that the potential for 
     aerospace and space cooperation and commerce between the 
     United States and Ukraine is fully and appropriately 
     exploited; and
       (15) as a leader of the democratic nations of the world, 
     the United States should continue to support the people of 
     Ukraine in their struggle to bring peace, prosperity, and 
     democracy to Ukraine and to the other independent states of 
     the former Soviet Union.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton] each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the House is today 
taking up House Concurrent Resolution 120, a measure that recognizes 
the important role that the nation of Ukraine now plays in Europe and 
that recognizes the progress of political reforms in Ukraine.
  Mr. Speaker, I introduced this resolution--along with my colleagues, 
Mr. Goodling of Pennsylvania, Mr. Solomon of New York, and Mr. Hoke of 
Ohio--simply because events in Ukraine will inevitably have 
consequences for all of Europe--both East and West.
  It is perhaps understandable, but it is indeed unfortunate, that we 
here in the United States have most often focused our attention on 
Russia to the exclusion of Ukraine. Certainly, Russia is an important 
country undergoing tremendous changes, but we should not overlook the 
important role that Ukraine will play in the region of the former 
Soviet Union and in Europe--or overlook the developments that have 
taken place in that country since 1991. Ukraine has the second largest 
territory, after Russia, and the sixth largest population of all the 
states of Europe.
  As this resolution notes, Ukraine celebrated the fifth anniversary of 
its new independence on August 24.
  The resolution then notes many of the positive developments regarding 
Ukraine that have taken place in the last 5 years, including:
  The peaceful transfer of executive power after free and fair 
elections for the Presidency were held in July 1994--the first such 
peaceful transfer of executive power in any of the New Independent 
States of the former Soviet Union;
  The first appointment of a civilian to the post of Minister of 
Defense--an historic precedent for the region of the former Soviet 
Union in support of civilian control of military forces;
  Ukraine's recent adoption of a new, democratic constitution;
  Ukraine's decision to relinquish all of its Soviet-era nuclear 
warheads--a commitment it has now fulfilled;
  Ukraine's continuing program of economic reform;
  Ukraine's membership in the NATO Alliance's Partnership for Peace 
Program; and
  Ukraine's efforts to ensure that no political or military 
organization emerges with the potential to recreate the former Soviet 
state.
  Given the importance of Ukraine to the future stability and security 
of Europe, the resolution calls on the President of the United States 
to support continued United States assistance to that country, 
including security assistance; insist that Russia fully recognize 
Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity; and ensure that 
Ukraine's interests are considered in any review of European security 
arrangements.
  House Concurrent Resolution 120 also calls on Ukraine itself to 
continue with badly needed economic reforms--including reforms that 
will address the serious problem of corruption within the government 
bureaucracy. It also notes that Ukraine should continue its opposition 
to any efforts to reintegrate the states of the former Soviet Union and 
it calls on Ukraine to continue its efforts to close the unsafe nuclear 
reactors at Chernobyl.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is important for all us to recognize that 
we cannot take future developments in Russia, Ukraine, or any of the 
other New Independent States of the former Soviet Union for granted.
  Even now, 5 years after the breakup of the Soviet Union, the region 
of that former state contains the seeds for potential conflict that 
could dwarf the

[[Page H9952]]

bloodshed that has accompanied the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. As 
the recent assassination attempt against Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavlo 
Lazarenko demonstrates, Ukraine is by no means exempt from the 
possibility of such internal or external conflicts.
  It would be helpful to the continued stability of Ukraine and to its 
integration into post-cold war Europe for this Congress to recognize 
what Ukraine has accomplished in its first 5 years of independence--and 
to encourage it forward in its ongoing political and economic 
transformation.
  It is hoped that this resolution--stating America's strong support 
for Ukraine--will merit the support of my colleagues.
   Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in support of the resolution.
   Mr. Speaker, first I want to express my appreciation to Chairman 
Gilman for bringing this resolution to the floor of the House. I want 
him to know I especially appreciate the time and effort he made to make 
this a bipartisan project. Both he and his staff consulted very 
carefully with the minority and we appreciate that.
  This resolution, as the chairman has said, recognizes Ukraine's 
political reforms over the last 4 years, supports Ukraine's 
independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, congratulates 
Ukraine on passing a new reform-oriented Constitution on June 28 of 
this year.
  The resolution also recognizes Ukraine for removing all nuclear 
weapons from its territory by June 1 of this year and for its 
humanitarian assistance in the region of the former Soviet Union. The 
resolution calls upon the President of the United States to provide 
continued security and reform-oriented assistance to Ukraine, support 
Ukraine's interests in the context of European security arrangements, 
support Ukraine's leadership in opposing any political or military 
organization which has the potential to promote the reintegration of 
the states of the former Soviet Union.
  The resolution also calls on Ukraine to focus its efforts on 
dismantling the remaining Socialist sectors of its economy and to 
institute the reforms needed to foster market-based competition, 
attract foreign investment, fight crime and corruption effectively in a 
democratic environment.
  Ukraine has made progress on reform. Achieving reform has been 
difficult, and we all recognize that Ukraine faces enormous economic 
and social challenges.
  The resolution calls on Ukraine to continue on the path of reform. 
This course best serves the interests of the Ukrainian people and 
promotes strong United States-Ukrainian relations.
  Again, I commend Chairman Gilman for his willingness to work with 
this side of the aisle in making this a strong bipartisan resolution. 
It was reported by voice vote unanimously, I believe, from the 
committee. It has the support of the administration. I urge the 
adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 120.
   Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking minority member, Mr. 
Hamilton, for his supportive comments.
   Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from New York [Mr. Boehlert].
  (Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 
120, honoring the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine and the 
progress of its political and economic reform.
  June 26, 1996 will be a day that Ukrainians will honor for 
generations to come, for on this day the Ukrainian Parliament finally 
approved a new post-Soviet constitution for the people of Ukraine. This 
constitution guarantees for the first time the right to private 
ownership, including the right to own land.

                              {time}  1330

  It may be hard for many of us to understand what a significant 
achievement this is for the Ukrainian people who have struggled under 
various rulers for more than 300 years. We need only to listen to 
Walter Monastaryski of Margaretville, NY, a proud son of Ukrainian 
immigrants, or visit the parishioners of Saint Vladimir's Ukrainian 
Catholic Church or St. Peter and Paul's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, both 
in Utica, NY, my hometown.
  They will tell you the stories of their courageous families and 
friends who gave their lives fighting against Stalin and the Nazis 
before and during World War II. Few people know more than 10 million 
Ukrainians died fighting for independence, but now the people of 
Ukraine and their descendants all over the world can hold their heads 
up high as Ukraine moves forward to ensure the rights of all citizens 
to transform its economy to privatize state-owned enterprise and to 
work in concert with G-7 nations to shut down the nuclear reactors at 
Chernobyl.
  This resolution tells the people of Ukraine several things. It tells 
them we know reform is difficult, it tells them we want to praise them 
for their sacrifices and for their efforts, and it also tells them that 
we stand committed to helping them achieve their goals.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important 
measure for the people of the Ukraine, and I thank my chairman for 
yielding.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this resolution, I 
congratulate Ukraine on its independence and commend it on its 
outstanding progress since emerging from Soviet tyranny.
  Harsh Soviet rule tried the will and strength of the Ukrainian 
people, trampling free speech and worship, and threatening any who 
would oppose the repressive regime. But the resolve of Ukrainians was 
rewarded, and today, Ukrainians control their own destiny. Perhaps the 
most telling signs of Ukrainian independence are the legislative and 
presidential elections held just 2 years ago. Democracy is planted once 
again, and people can breathe free.
  For over 40 years, the cold war dominated international relations as 
the United States and the Soviet Union focused their energies and 
resources on attempts to outdo each other. During this time, Ukraine 
became a repository for Soviet nuclear weapons.
  Since being freed from Soviet oppression, Ukraine has repeatedly 
demonstrated its commitment to nuclear disarmament. Ukraine joined 
international arms control regimes such as START I and the Non-
Proliferation Treaty. Ukraine truly demonstrated its commitment to 
disarmament, however, when it chose to discard remaining Soviet nuclear 
weapons.
  Free elections and the rejection of nuclear weapons are cause for 
celebration. These milestone events help reinforce that yes, the cold 
war and its accompanying fear really are over. The United States must 
recognize the tremendous achievement of Ukrainians and reward their 
resolve with more than words. We must provide the help needed to 
establish free markets, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure 
that Ukraine will continue on the historic path it has pursued since 
winning independence in 1991.
  We commend Ukraine on its independence, elections, and truly historic 
progress. At the same time, we pledge our steadfast support as 
Ukrainians build a free and prosperous nation.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 120 which commends Ukraine for its significant progress 
toward democratic and economic reform since it declared its 
independence 5 years ago.
  Under the able leadership of President Leonid Kuchma and the 
Parliament, Ukraine has made great strides in reform. Namely, they 
adopted a new constitution in June and stayed on the course of a 
vigorous economic reform initiative that has set the country on the 
track toward strength and stability.
  Under the economic plan, inflation has gone from the overwhelming 
level of 10,000 percent in 1993 to 181 percent in 1995 to an 
anticipated level of about 40 to 45 percent by the end of this year. 
Privatization efforts in Ukraine, while moving slowly, are now gaining 
momentum. By the end of 1995, the state had sold off 38 percent of its 
assets and privatized small enterprises at a rate of 400 per month. By 
the end of this year, Ukrainian officials hope to have five of 
Ukraine's largest enterprises sold off. Because of such efforts GDP has 
grown by 5 percent and average income levels have risen by over 100 
percent.
  In addition to its economic achievements, Ukraine has also become an 
important factor in the new security arrangement in Europe. The country 
has fully complied with all reductions in force under the Conventional 
Forces

[[Page H9953]]

in Europe Agreement. Furthermore, Ukraine is an active participant in 
NATO's Partnership for Peace Program. Most importantly, Ukraine has 
dismantled its nuclear arsenal which it inherited from the Soviet Union 
and has signed onto the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
  The new constitution adopted overwhelmingly in June by Ukraine's Rada 
by a vote of 315 to 36 with 12 members abstaining, establishes Ukraine 
as an independent and democratic state. The new constitution guarantees 
the rights of minorities, including allowing for the autonomy of the 
Republic of Crimea within its borders. Furthermore, it sets the stage 
for that country's next elections to take place for Parliament in 1998 
and for President in 1999.
  While Ukraine still has many problems to deal with, in particular 
commercial law reform, Chernobyl, and its energy shortfall, the 
framework now exists with the new constitution to make even more 
substantial progress over the next few years. Such progress deserves 
the support of the United States.
  I urge all my colleagues to vote for the resolution and take a good 
hard look at Ukraine. Congress needs to provide assistance to ensure 
that this country remains on the path toward democracy and a free 
market economy.
  The House should soon get its chance if an agreement is reached on 
the fiscal year 1997 Foreign Operations appropriation which will 
hopefully include $225 million in earmarked aid for Ukraine. This money 
will be used to help support needed infrastructure changes within 
Ukraine and help to shore up Ukraine's nuclear energy program.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 120, a resolution acknowledging Ukraine's commitment to 
democracy. Ukraine is one of our most important allies among the New 
Independent States [NIS] of the former Soviet Union. Since its 
independence in 1991, Ukraine has instituted democratic reforms, making 
it the most stable country in the region.
  In 1994, Ukraine held democratic elections, voting in a new 
parliament and a new president. Ukraine has accepted all of our 
requests, including the ratification of START and NPT, and instituted 
economic reforms that have won praise from the IMF and G-7.
  I am proud to congratulate Ukraine on its democratic record. Ukraine 
has the sixth largest population in Europe, and plays an integral role 
in European peace and stability. Given Ukraine's importance in the 
region, it is critical that the United States show strong economic 
support for Ukraine.
  Although there have been reductions in the foreign aid budget, we 
must continue to make our international priorities very clear. We must 
send a clear signal to Ukraine, and other emerging democracies, that 
the United States supports efforts to adopt democratic reforms, 
maintain a good human rights record, progress with economic reforms, 
and unilaterally disarm their nuclear arsenal.
  Mr. Speaker, Ukraine is deserving of our respect, praise, and 
commitment.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the International 
Relations Committee for his effort and insight in bringing this 
important resolution to the floor of the House today. I am pleased to 
join him as a cosponsor of this important resolution congratulating 
Ukraine on the progress that this newly independent country has made 
toward achieving a democratic society and a functioning market economy.
  Mr. Speaker, we in the United States have an important stake in the 
future success and prosperity and democratic progress of the Ukraine--
and what takes place in Ukraine will reverberate well beyond the 
borders of that country. It can rightfully be said, Mr. Speaker, that 
as Ukraine goes, so will go the newly independent republics of the 
former Soviet Union, including Russia.
  With the exception of Russia, Ukraine has the largest population of 
the former Soviet republics. It also has the largest, most advanced and 
most highly diversified economy of all of the independent former Soviet 
Republics. If Ukraine is able to maintain its sovereignty and its 
independence from Russia while at the same time establishing the 
economic and political ties with its closest and largest neighbor, this 
will bring us a good deal closer to our goal of seeing democracy take 
root throughout the former Soviet Union. We must encourage Russia to 
recognize, respect, and observe in practice the full sovereignty of 
Ukraine. This is as important a consideration for the policy of the 
United States toward Russia as it is of our policy toward Ukraine.
  We have reason for considerable optimism in regard to the progress of 
democracy in Ukraine, Mr. Speaker. The Presidential election on July 
19, 1994, and parliamentary elections that took place just a few months 
earlier on March 27, 1994, are important milestones in democracy in 
Ukraine. For a population that has not had the benefit of a tradition 
of a free and open and democratic electoral process, the people of 
Ukraine have shown a remarkable commitment to democracy through their 
participation in these elections.
  Mr. Speaker, an important marker that is on the horizon is the 
adoption of a new constitution for Ukraine. As the people and the 
Government of Ukraine make progress in working on their new 
constitution, it is important that they provide assurances of full 
civil and human rights for all peoples of Ukraine. That is of vital 
importance to the future of that country, and it is vital for the 
future of relations between the United States and Ukraine. We in the 
United States have a strong commitment to respect for civil and human 
rights, and--as is evident from the attention and focus we give to the 
annual ``Country Reports on Human Rights Practices''--our relationship 
with other countries is very much conditioned upon their respect for 
these important rights. We in the United States wish President Kuchma, 
the Government, and the Parliament success as they work out the details 
of this fundamental charter of democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, we in the United States also have a strong interest in 
the success of economic reform in Ukraine. Moving ahead quickly to 
transform the economy is essential for democratic progress and for the 
prosperity of the Ukrainian people. The social and economic and 
political change in Ukraine has not been easy on the citizens of that 
country, and for this reason it is important that economic growth 
provide material benefits for the people. We in the United States have 
a stake in that success, and it is important that we here undertake all 
efforts to assure victory in that process.
  Mr. Speaker, I join in urging continued support for the Ukrainian 
people in their ongoing fight to bring peace, economic success, and 
political democracy to Ukraine.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his supportive 
remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Wicker). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 120, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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