[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2862, SCIENCE, STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

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                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Fiscal Year 2006 
Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations act because it 
includes several meritorious provisions, including a directive to the 
Federal Trade Commission to investigate price gouging by oil companies 
as well as continued funding for Economic Development Assistance 
grants.
  Unfortunately, once again the House Republican leadership has slashed 
State and local law enforcement assistance grants despite the growing 
responsibilities of our First Responders in the ongoing efforts on 
homeland security.
  I am also concerned that this bill cuts the Small Business 
Administration's 7(a) loan program. Small businesses are the backbone 
of our nation's economy, and now, when they are struggling with a weak 
economy and the high cost of fuel and transportation, is not the time 
to reduce our support.
  And finally, I am sorely disappointed that the Republican leadership 
has stripped out the Freedom to Read provision that passed this House 
with strong bipartisan support on June 15th of this year, as it has in 
previous years. Despite the support of an overwhelming majority of 
Members, the Administration threatens to veto the bill because it 
protects people's right to privacy. This is the wrong message to be 
sending to the citizens of the United States.
  Despite the bill's serious shortcomings, it contains important 
investments in federal research and development as well as law 
enforcement and crime prevention initiatives. On balance, this bill 
merits passage, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting Yes.

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