[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 35 (Thursday, March 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 2004

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I regret that my vote on the Scott/Watt 
Amendment (#6) to H.R. 339, the Personal Responsibility in Food 
Consumption Act was recorded as ``no.'' I would like the record to 
reflect that my vote should have been ``yes.''
  I recognize and appreciate the important work states have done to 
prevent and reduce chronic health diseases and obesity-related health 
conditions. As a former member of the Arkansas State Senate's Public 
Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, I worked diligently with state 
agencies and health providers to promote positive statewide health 
strategies.
  According to the underlying bill, a person is defined in section 4(3) 
of the bill to include governmental entities. Consequently, states 
could be limited in bringing legal complaints against violators of 
state consumer protection statutes. The Scott/Watt Amendment would have 
protected a state's attorney general's option to protect consumers in 
accordance to consumer protection laws.




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