[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 1997

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I was unfortunately detained in my district 
Monday, October 6, 1997 and a portion of Tuesday, October 7, 1997 and 
missed several votes as a result.
  Had I been here, I would have voted in the following way: I would 
have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 490, 491, 492, 493 and 496; I 
would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall votes 494 and 495.
  As exporting becomes increasingly more important to U.S. businesses, 
the role of the Export-Import Bank must be maintained. The Export-
Import Bank places businesses in my district and districts across the 
nation on a level playing field when competing against foreign 
businesses subsidized by foreign governments. This program allows for 
the expansion of U.S. markets thereby increasing the stability of our 
economy and preserving American jobs. I would, therefore, have voted in 
favor of reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.
  I would also have voted for the conference report on the Department 
of Agriculture Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1998. Among many 
important programs, this conference report includes full funding for 
the Food and Drug Administration's initiative to curb underage smoking 
in our country. In addition, the bill provides over $3.9 billion--$118 
million more than approved by the House of Representatives--for the 
important Women Infant and Children's (WIC) nutritional program.
  I would also have voted in favor of instructing the House conferees 
to Foreign Operations Appropriations Conference Committee to insist on 
the House approved provisions to reinstate the ``Mexico City'' policy. 
It is my belief that federal funds should not be used to fund abortions 
here or abroad.

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