[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H3669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GIVE PRESIDENT A CLEAN DISASTER BILL

  (Mr. LEWIS of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the 
Republicans are at it again. Our President has requested emergency 
funds to help flood victims in the Midwest. One more time the 
Republicans have put partisan politics above the needs of the American 
people. Republicans insist on trying to put their pet political 
projects into the emergency relief bill.
  We are trying to help those who have lost their homes, their 
businesses and their possessions acquired through a lifetime of hard 
work. If there is a role for the Federal Government, this is it. We are 
a caring and compassionate nation. We must help those in trouble and 
stricken with misfortune.
  It is a shame and a disgrace that once again the Republicans are 
holding flood victims hostage. Putting politics above the needs of the 
people is wrong, just plain wrong. Stop playing political games with 
people's lives, Mr. Speaker. Give this President a clean disaster bill.

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