[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H11091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, today I missed the vote on the rule 
covering debate on the Immigration Act conference agreement. At the 
time of the vote, I was presenting testimony before the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission on a matter of utmost importance to the people of 
the State of North Dakota. Resolution of the matter currently before 
the Commission will likely determine the continued viability of the 
Great Plains Synfuels Plant in Beulah, ND, a unique facility which 
converts lignite coal to synthetic natural gas and which brings 
tremedous economic benefit to our State. It was critical that I be 
present before the Commission--along with North Dakota's two 
distinguished Senators--to advocate on behalf of this facility. Mr. 
Speaker, I regret having to miss any vote in this Chamber and I regret 
my unavoidable conflict today.

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