[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 138 (Monday, October 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE CONTINUING INABILITY OF CONGRESS TO CONDUCT ITS REGULAR BUSINESS 
                      AND SOLVE AMERICA'S PROBLEMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAX SANDLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2002

  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, once again, this body is abdicated its 
responsibilities by passing a 6-week continuing resolution to keep the 
Federal Government running through November 22, 2002. The Republican 
leadership has failed the American people by determining Members of 
Congress do not need to pass the remaining 11 Fiscal Year 2003 
appropriations bills, the Fiscal Year 2003 National Department of 
Defense Authorization Conference report, and a meaningful prescription 
drug benefit for seniors. This is only a small fraction of the work 
that this body still needs to complete before we adjourn.
  Instead of addressing pressing needs, the majority party has decided 
to disregard our constitutional responsibilities and go home and leave 
the people's business unfinished. I voted against this resolution, as I 
did the last, because we need to be here working and solving the vast 
economic problems facing this country. Again, I supported a continuing 
resolution that would have funded the Federal Government for one 
additional day. This would have forced us to remain here and address 
the critical issues facing our nation. Our domestic problems are not 
insurmountable. I will not accept the fact that this Republican-
controlled Congress cannot simultaneously address national security 
needs while also addressing pressing domestic problems. When united in 
action, we can solve the problems facing everyday citizens.
  America remains mired in economic doldrums. The stock market 
continues its decline. I read that mutual fund analysts joke that 
people should not open their 401(k) statements because of devastating 
declines in values. Hundreds of thousands filed for unemployment claims 
at the end of last month, and consumer confidence fell to a 9 year low. 
In addition to the hundreds of thousands of new unemployment claims, 
hundreds of thousands of out-of-work Americans have or will soon 
exhaust their unemployment compensation. The Republican majority has 
not brought any legislation to the floor to extend unemployment 
insurance for those who desperately need these benefits.
  We will get paid for the next 6 weeks but millions of our 
constituents will no longer have any safety net. Because the majority 
has failed to do its job, countless individuals will not be able to 
feed their families, seek new employment, or pay their upcoming winter 
heating bills. The Republican majority has told working Americans that 
their problems do not matter.
  In addition to not addressing legislation to assist unemployed 
workers, the House has again failed to fund important initiatives in 
education, healthcare, and veterans programs--leaving society's most 
vulnerable members at risk. This continued lack of action means schools 
cannot plan for next year, health care providers wonder if they will 
have funds to remain open, seniors will go without a comprehensive 
prescription drug plan, and veterans will continue to see unacceptably 
long waits for access to care.
  By ignoring the situation, the majority acts as if this 
administration's failed economic policies have not had devastating 
consequences for average Americans. This Congress just has addressed 
the most compelling national security issue facing the Nation. It is 
time that we face the economic crisis facing America--rising 
unemployment, increasing job insecurity, growing budget deficits, and 
the lack of affordable health care.
  By postponing action on passing the remaining 11 appropriations 
bills, the majority undermines the ability of the government to carry 
out its basic missions. By adopting continuing resolution after 
continuing resolution, we are completely ignoring our responsibility to 
the Nation and its citizens.
  Issues such as the fight against terrorism, protecting basic services 
for our veterans, increasing enforcement of our security laws and 
making funding available to local and State governments for 
infrastructure investment cannot be addressed without proper 
appropriations.
  Because the majority has failed to do its job, the people of East 
Texas and the country will pay the price. Republican economic policies 
have been devastating for this country--ignoring those polices will not 
make them better. Congress' inaction touches every part of our daily 
lives. In a stunning act of indifference, Congress will take 6 weeks 
off leaving millions of Americans without hope that we will address the 
problems they face every day. It is for this reason that I, in good 
conscience, could not support another weeklong continuing resolution.

                          ____________________