[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S14027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LABOR-HHS CONFERENCE REPORT

  Mr. SPECTER. Now on to the discussion about the legislation, the 
conference report. This bill does not contain excessive funding. What 
we are looking at is a bill which has a cost-of-living adjustment to 
what the figure was last year. The President has come in with a figure 
which is $3 billion less than last year. When you add the cost of 
living adjustment, and some very modest increases in very important 
programs, this is a modest bill.
  The National Institutes of Health, which have been increased under 
the stewardship of Senator Harkin and myself, has been increased from 
12, now to $30 billion. Last year it was $29 billion. The extra billion 
dollars does not even keep up with inflation costs.
  We have mine safety, which is a major item. It was pared back as much 
as can be done consistent with the mine accidents most recently in 
Utah.
  Community health centers are still underfunded. Community health 
services, as has been noted by the President, are very important 
programs. GEAR UP, a program to deal with at-risk youth, very modestly 
financed. Very important to my State, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, 
which had 406 homicides last year and a real effort to add mentoring to 
try to take at-risk youth and try to deal with this issue.
  It is my hope we can negotiate with the President and come to an 
acceptable term. The President has stated his willingness to negotiate 
on SCHIP where there is a significant difference between what the 
President wants and what the Congress has legislated. As the facts 
suggest negotiations ought to be undertaken on SCHIP, they do as well 
on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.
  It is my suggestion these bills not be considered together. They 
violate the rules in their joinder. There will be a point of order 
raised, and I believe they ought to be separated in accordance with 
regular Senate rules.
  If we combine the Veterans bill with the Labor, Health and Human 
Services, and Education bill, we have already been advised there will 
be a veto of both bills. The veterans financing is too important to be 
delayed. I chaired the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for some 6 years. 
The additional funds are necessary, and there would be undue delay if 
they are joined together.
  So it would be my hope they will be separated so the veterans funding 
can go forward, and we can send this bill to the President with a view 
to negotiating terms. I have been in touch with the White House, 
talking about the possibility of coming to an agreed settlement so we 
can move the appropriations process forward and serve the needs of the 
American people.
  In the absence of any other Senator seeking recognition, I suggest 
the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican leader.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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