[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2001

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an 
error I made earlier today in voting for the previous question motion 
on the Treasury, Postal Appropriations bill. As is customary on such 
procedural motions I voted ``aye.'' Had I been aware of the 
implications of the vote, I would have voted ``no.''
  I have been and continue to be an opponent of Congressional pay 
raises. Fiscal discipline must start with our elected officials. My 
constituents don't get a cost of living increase every year and neither 
should we. Had I known the previous question vote would be construed as 
having anything to do with a congressional COLA, I would have opposed 
it.
  Not only do I oppose the pay raise itself, but I strongly oppose the 
manner in which this issue is handled. We ought to have a clear ``yes'' 
or ``no'' vote on the pay raise and let the chips fall where they may. 
When given the opportunity to vote on the pay raise directly, I have 
always voted ``no.'' If others feel differently, let them cast their 
vote in the light of day and explain it to their constituents. To 
disguise an issue as important as a congressional pay raise inside a 
procedural motion is less than honest. Such gimmicks further erode this 
institution's credibility and member integrity.
  It is my responsibility to know all the implications of the motions 
and bills that I vote on. My constituents deserve my attention on each 
and every vote. One the issue of a congressional pay raise, the 
American people deserve better from all of us.

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