[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, due to the serious illness of my 
sister and her passing on October 10, I was unable to be in Washington, 
DC from October 7, through October 9. I would appreciate having the 
record reflect that I would have cast the following votes, had I been 
present:


      H.R. 1122: Partial Birth Abortion--Yes on Votes 499 and 500

  Over the years I have been a strong supporter of the unborn and 
consistently cast my vote in favor of pro-life issues. This is an issue 
that I feel very strongly about. I voted in favor of H.R. 1122 earlier 
this year, and during the 104th Congress. Had I been present, I would 
have again voted yes on H.R. 1122 to end the horrific practice of 
partial birth abortion.


 H.R. 901: American Land Sovereignty Protection Act--No on votes 498, 
                      501, 502, 503 and yes on 504

  As a cosponsor of H.R. 901, I strongly support this measure which 
would ensure congressional approval is given before any U.S. land is 
designated as a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve, or is given 
any other U.N. designation. Had I been present, I would have opposed 
any weakening amendments and voted for final passage of this important 
legislation.


  H.R. 2158: VA, HUD Appropriations Act conference report--yes on 505

  I supported this measure when it was passed by the House, earlier 
this year. This final version continues to increase support for 
veterans programs while controlling spending in other areas as agreed 
to in the Balance Budget Act.


              Motion to instruct on H.R. 2169--Yes on 506

  I would have supported this motion to instruct the conferees on the 
State Department Reauthorization Act to prohibit the use of any Federal 
funding by private organizations that promote abortion. Once again, I 
would have voted yes to protect the unborn and prevent any efforts to 
promote abortions worldwide.


    H.R. 2169: Transportation Appropriations Act--Yes on 507 and 510

  While I support efforts for long-term improvements to the surface 
transportation funding system, I was pleased that this bill increases 
spending for infrastructure necessities next year, and would have voted 
yes.


                  Approval of the Journal--Yes on 509

H.R. 2607: District of Columbia Appropriations Act--No on 511, 512 and 
                        YES on 508, 513, and 514

  I would have supported this measure because it includes important, 
necessary changes to the education system in the District of Columbia, 
such as the implementation of voucher programs for students. I would 
have voted against efforts to prevent the voucher program from moving 
forward. Had I been present, I would have also opposed the Vento 
amendment that in my view, would delay repair work at dilapidated 
District schools.

                          ____________________