[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 136 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H11399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REPUBLICAN DAMAGE IN THE 104TH CONGRESS

  (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the 104th Congress comes to 
a close, we look back on successes and failures, and I am proud to say, 
Mr. Speaker, that the Democratic Members can claim responsibility for 
some of the most impressive successes.
  The minimum wage increase, it is a flagship of the Democratic agenda, 
and it focused on what American people really want. Next week American 
workers get the raise they deserve, a bipartisan success.
  The Kennedy-Kassebaum health care bill came only after Democrats 
defended it against the House Republicans, who stonewalled for months.
  Putting more money in people's pockets and providing employees with 
the option of portable health care are Democratic answers to 
Republicans' measures that have shaken Americans' confidence.
  The 104th Congress began with an all-out onslaught on Medicare and 
education funding that the President and Democrats stopped cold.
  The American people rightfully lost confidence in the Republican's 
ability to run Congress after two Government shutdowns and one looming 
next week. We can do much better. Americans cannot afford another 
Gingrich Congress.
  We need to remember whom we represent, the hard-working Americans who 
want to better tomorrow, not a better yesterday.

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