[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H4585-H4586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

  (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend, the distinguished 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), for the purpose of inquiring about 
the schedule.
  Mr. ARMEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the House has completed 
its legislative business for the week.
  The House will next meet on Monday, June 19, at 12:30 p.m. for 
morning hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. We will consider a 
number of measures under suspension of the rules, a list of which will 
be distributed to Members' offices tomorrow. On Monday, no recorded 
votes are expected before 6 p.m. We will also consider H.R. 4635, VA-
HUD appropriations for fiscal year 2001 on Monday under an open rule. 
Members should expect to work until about 9 p.m. on VA-HUD Monday 
evening.
  On Tuesday, June 20 and the balance of the week, the House will 
consider the following measures:
  H.R. 4601, the Debt Reduction and Reconciliation Act of 2000;
  H.R. 4201, the Noncommercial Broadcasting Freedom of Expression Act 
of 2000;
  H.J. Res. 90, withdrawing the approval of the United States from the 
agreement established in the World Trade Organization;
  H.R. 4516, Legislative Branch appropriations for fiscal year 2001;
  H.R. 4461, Agricultural Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2001;
  Departments of Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary Appropriations 
Act for fiscal year 2001.
  Mr. Speaker, we have just completed a very productive week in the 
House. I want to thank my colleagues for all their hard work. 
Obviously, next week we have laid out another very ambitious schedule 
for the House; and so I would caution my colleagues to be prepared to 
work late nights Monday through Thursday.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish all my colleagues a good weekend back in their 
districts and a happy Father's Day.
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) for the 
information. I note that the prescription drug bill is not on the 
calendar for next week, Mr. Leader; but I am wondering, notwithstanding 
that, can the gentleman confirm for us the discussions we have had 
that, because this is a matter of such importance to the American 
people, that when the bill does come up, that the minority will at a 
minimum have the opportunity to

[[Page H4586]]

offer our substitute proposal that has brought this issue to the floor 
when it does come to the floor?
  Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman for that inquiry, 
and the gentleman is absolutely correct. It is an important issue. The 
committee expects to mark it up and prepare it for the House by 
Wednesday of next week.
  We would hope to have it on the floor then the following week; and 
then, of course, the Committee on Rules will deliberate on that. And I 
am sorry I cannot answer at this time what rule will be reported.
  I do appreciate the concern the minority has, and I will relay that 
on to the Committee on Rules.
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for his reply, and I understand the 
fact that he may not be able to predict what the Committee on Rules 
would do, but can the distinguished Leader, based upon what I 
understand are conversations that I have not participated in, but I 
think some have, can the Leader advise me whether or not it would be 
his intention to advise the Committee on Rules that the minority have 
the opportunity to offer its substitute on an issue of such magnitude 
to the American people?
  Mr. ARMEY. Let me again thank the gentleman for his inquiry. I have 
not participated in the discussions to which the gentleman refers. I 
will consult with those Members of our leadership that have been 
involved in those discussions and then act in accordance with what I 
understand from those discussions.
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for his response, and, again, would 
hope very sincerely that on a matter of this magnitude that the House 
would have the opportunity of considering at least two substantive 
alternatives and the substantive alternative offered by the minority 
party as it sees fit to offer it.
  Mr. ARMEY. I appreciate the gentleman's interests; and certainly I 
understand, having been in the minority, myself, how strongly you must 
feel about that.
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman.

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