[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   DENYING DEMOCRATS THE OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER AMENDMENTS ON H.R. 1559

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                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this 
rule. The rule waives all points of order against the Majority's bill, 
while denying Democrats the opportunity to offer amendments.
  Yesterday, during the meeting of the Rules Committee, my Democratic 
colleagues offered thoughtful amendments ranging from increasing funds 
for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to adding $1.7 billion for health 
care, education, and infrastructure in the United States; yet none of 
my Democratic colleagues were granted waivers. I offered five 
amendments addressing our homeland security needs and mental health 
services. None of these amendments were granted waivers.
  I believe that our domestic priorities and our first responders must 
not be overlooked as we consider this supplemental appropriations bill. 
The Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee offered an amendment 
to increase funding by $2.5 billion to Homeland Security programs. This 
was not accepted for a waiver.
  These increases would have provided an additional $197 million to 
protect military facilities; $241 million for nuclear security (nuclear 
cargo detection, nuclear detection equipment, securing nuclear 
materials abroad and in the U.S.); $722 million for port and 
infrastructure security (Coast Guard personnel, port security grants, 
dam and bridge security, water and chemical plant security, rail tunnel 
security); and $1.2 billion for state and local first responders (state 
and local civil defense teams, first responder equipment, firefighter 
grants, state and local biotechnical response, military guard and 
reserves).
  The Obey amendment, which I support, provides critical funding to 
Homeland Security programs. Under Article I, section 7, of the U.S. 
Constitution, Congress has the power of the purse. We have an 
obligation to have an open and democratic debate on this supplemental.
  With the United States now at war to disarm Saddam Hussein, some 
Republicans continue to question the patriotism of anyone who has the 
audacity to challenge the Bush administration's foreign policy. All of 
us pray for a quick, successful conclusion to this war and for our 
troops' safe return.
  However, it is our duty as members of this august body of Congress to 
consider fully any funding that involves our military forces and 
funding that could help our domestic priorities.
  With the Republicans denying essential debate on this bill, we will 
not have full consideration of the supplemental, and this is an 
abomination on what should be a fair and open process.
  This is a process far from what our Founding Fathers envisioned when 
granting Congress spending authority. I regret that we cannot have a 
serious Open Rule process and waivers for amendments that address this 
nation's needs.

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