[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TODAY'S APPOINTMENTS BY PRESIDENT CLINTON TO NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT 
                            STUDY COMMISSION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Wolf] is recognized 
during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, today we just heard that the President made 
his appointments to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. I 
would like to make a comment about it.
  Today's appointments to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission 
by President Clinton, in my opinion, tilt the balance of the commission 
in favor of the gambling industry. The purpose of the commission is to 
conduct a study of gambling and provide America's communities with 
objective information so that they may make their own decisions about 
gambling.
  The President personally told me that he supported the commission and 
appreciated its goals. In a letter to Senator Simon, the President 
wrote, and I quote, Senator Simon, former Senator from the State of 
Illinois who retired last year, he said:

       I deeply appreciate your efforts to draw attention to the 
     growth of the gambling industry and its consequences. I have 
     long shared your view about the need to consider carefully 
     all of the effects of gambling, and I support the 
     establishment of a commission for this purpose.

  But that was before the casinos and the gambling interests began 
contributing to last year's elections. Today's appointments reaffirm 
how America feels about this administration. It appears to be for sale 
to the highest bidder and in cases like this is fundamentally corrupt.
  The President of the United States today failed the American people. 
Today the President ignored all the problems related to gambling such 
as crime and corruption and cannibalization of business and the breakup 
of so many families.
  The President turned his back on all those desperate Americans 
addicted to gambling who cheat, steal, or lie to fuel their habit. The 
President today willfully overlooked the suicides and the family 
dissolution that comes with gambling.
  This is a sad day, I think, for America because the President's 
actions confirm the worst fears in that this administration has made a 
bad appointment and has, I think, poorly served the American people.

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