[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, last night, October 7, 2002, President Bush 
made a major policy speech on Iraq in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. 
At the President's request, I attended the speech with him. 
Consequently, I was not able to be present for the following rollcall 
votes:
  H.R. 3340--To allow certain catch-up contributions to the Thrift 
Savings Plan to be made by participants age 50 or over.
  H.R. 5531--To facilitate famine relief efforts and a comprehensive 
solution to the war in Sudan.
  H. Res. 468--Transatlantic Security and NATO Enhancement Resolution 
of 2002.
  Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of these 
bills.

                          ____________________