[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H12114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRESS STILL HAS UNADDRESSED ISSUES TO CONFRONT

  (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, the Republican leadership is packing its 
bags. It is heading for the exits without addressing the most critical 
needs of American families. This summer, they tried to spend a historic 
surplus on an irresponsible tax plan that would have benefited only the 
wealthy. Now they are planning to leave town without taking meaningful 
steps to make our communities safer and our families stronger.
  The list of items killed by the Republican leadership is long. The 
Patients' Bill of Rights, campaign finance reform, and Medicare 
prescription drug benefits, extending the life of Medicare and Social 
Security, sensible gun safety, minimum wage.
  Time and again, the Republican leadership has joined with special 
interests to bury important legislation that, in fact, would have 
improved the lot of American families. One of the most critical items 
to fall by the wayside has been sensible gun safety legislation. Common 
sense should be applied when it comes to the safety of our schools, our 
neighborhoods, office buildings, and places of worship.
  Mr. Speaker, this Congress should not adjourn without closing the 
loopholes that lets guns fall into the wrong hands. It is time for 
responsible action.

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