[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H12113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           DO-LITTLE CONGRESS

  (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, here we are in mid-November and quite 
frankly, the Republican-led Congress has done very little. The 
appropriation bills languish and the needs of the American people are 
not being met. Now we seem to be arguing over four-tenths of 1 percent 
of a cut.
  Instead, the American people asked for things that cost very little 
and would improve their lives, like a Patients' Bill of Rights so 
patients and doctors can make their medical decisions; like an increase 
in minimum wage so everyone can enjoy the strong economy; like 100,000 
more teachers so that we can have smaller classes. And, Mr. Speaker, 
why can we not provide prescription drug coverage for all of our 
seniors.
  Mr. Speaker, let us work for the American people. Unfortunately, 
under the Republican-led Congress, it is always the same old song. Tax 
breaks for the rich and a tax on government.
  America wants a Congress that works for them like Democrats are 
fighting for, for 100,000 teachers, 50,000 new police officers, a real 
Patients' Bill of Rights, protecting our environment and providing 
prescription drug coverage for all seniors, all paid for, all paid for 
without busting the budget or raiding Social Security.

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