[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2314]]
   CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4328, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 1998

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as a Conferee on the Treasury-
Postal Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 1999, I note that the 
legislative debates in Congress include inconsistent statements 
regarding the proper interpretation and application of that section, 
and in particular in connection with subsection (d) which allows the 
President to waive the ``requirements of the section'' in the interests 
of national security.
  In their joint statement, Senators Mack, Graham, Lautenberg, and 
Faircloth have accurately stated my understanding of the provision and 
my understanding of the intent of the conferees. Any other 
interpretation would allow the President to, in effect, nullify this 
provision as if vetoing it, and thereby eliminate the important 
antiterrorism statement which Congress made by enacting the provision. 
For these reasons, I add my voice to those of Senators Mack, Graham, 
Lautenberg, and Faircloth and join them in their understanding of the 
proper interpretation and application of Section 117.

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