[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E280]]
                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE TAYLOR

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 1999

  Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on February 11, as a result 
of a hostage crisis that took place in my congressional district which 
required my direct intercession, I missed the final vote of the day, 
rollcall vote 21. After several hours of tense negotiations and through 
the fine work of the local, state and federal law enforcement 
officials, I am pleased to report that the hostages were all rescued 
without any loss of life or injury. Had I been present, I would have 
voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 21.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, earlier today, February 22, 1999, I missed 
rollcall votes 22 and 23. Today, I received a briefing from the Vice 
Commander of United States Southern Command that ran longer than 
expected. As a result, my departure from the Headquarters of the U.S. 
Southern Command in Miami was delayed. I unfortunately did not arrive 
back in Washington in time to vote on the two suspension bills, H.R. 
193 and H.R. 171. Had I been present at the time the votes were called, 
I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 22 and ``yea'' on rollcall 
23. I would like to request unanimous consent to enter my statement 
into the Record at the appropriate location.

                          ____________________