[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        GULF OPPORTUNITY ZONE PUBLIC FINANCE RELIEF ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following correspondence for 
the Record.
                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                Washington, DC, November 17, 2005.
     Hon. Michael G. Oxley,
     Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Oxley: I am writing concerning H.R. 4337, the 
     ``Gulf Opportunity Zone Public Finance Relief Act of 2005,'' 
     which passed the House last night by unanimous consent.
       Section 4 of the bill allows for the Federal guarantee of 
     certain State bonds. I recognize the Committee on Financial 
     Service's jurisdictional interest in Section 4 of the bill, 
     and agree that by allowing the bill to be passed, the 
     Committee on Financial Services does not relinquish any 
     jurisdiction over H.R. 4337 or similar legislation. I would 
     also support your request to be represented on a conference 
     on H.R. 4337, if one should become necessary.
       Finally, I will include this letter and your response in 
     the Congressional Record under the portion for floor 
     consideration of this measure.
           Best regards,
                                                      Bill Thomas,
                                                         Chairman.
                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                Washington, DC, November 17, 2005.
     Hon. William Thomas,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Thomas: I have received your letter 
     concerning H.R. 4337, the ``Gulf Opportunity Zone Public 
     Finance Relief Act of 2005,'' which the House passed last 
     night. The bill was also introduced yesterday and was 
     referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
       I appreciate your recognition that the Committee on 
     Financial Services has a jurisdictional interest in section 4 
     of the bill. This section allows for the Federal guarantee of 
     certain State bonds. However, I understand that the need to 
     move this bill expeditiously did not permit consideration of 
     the bill by this Committee. It is my understanding this 
     procedure will not prejudice the Committee on Financial 
     Services with respect to its prerogatives on this or similar 
     legislation. I appreciate your support for a request for 
     conferees from this Committee in the event of a House-Senate 
     conference.
       I hope that this exchange of correspondence will appear in 
     the Congressional Record. Thank you for your assistance in 
     this matter.
           Your truly,
                                                 Michael G. Oxley,
     Chairman.

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