[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 7, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H9728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                LEGACY OF REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED CONGRESS

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, for the past 2 years, the Republican 
majority has failed to act on the basic issues that face hardworking 
Americans. This Congress has failed to pass meaningful HMO reform, 
killed efforts to reduce teen smoking, undermined attempts to reduce 
school class size, ignored the need to bolster the minimum wage, and 
suffocated serious campaign finance reform.
  Because Republicans control this Congress, the American people are 
not guaranteed that they can choose their own doctor. They do not have 
guaranteed access to hospital emergency rooms. And American people 
cannot hold HMOs accountable for medical decisions.
  Because Republicans control this Congress, our children will not have 
smaller class sizes next year. Because Republicans control this 
Congress, teenagers will not be safe from big tobacco's nefarious 
marketing and consistent lying. Because Republicans control this 
Congress, there will be no increase in the minimum wage for families 
who work hard and who play by the rules.
  Tough luck, America. Republicans are in charge. For 2 years, 
America's needs have been ignored. That is the legacy of this 
Republican controlled Congress.

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