[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2012

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as I have stated in the past, I am inclined 
to vote ``no'' on any suspension bill that seeks to enact complex and 
controversial legislation through a process designed for non-
controversial legislation and relatively minor changes in law.
  I have consistently opposed the diversity visa lottery program. 
However, there are substantial flaws in H.R. 6429. Congress should 
consider abolishing the diversity visa lottery through the regular 
process with full debate and with the consideration of amendments.
  For the same reason, I also voted against H.R. 5987 because I believe 
that bill deserves further analysis, debate and amendment.
  There are times when I will vote for a complex or controversial 
suspension bill when the merits are overwhelming and the bill is, in my 
view, not in need of amendment. Both of the last two votes of Thursday, 
September 20, 2012, did not meet that standard.
  H.R. 6429 failed to pass under suspension of the rules. I believe 
that the diversity visa lottery should be abolished, but that the 
approach taken by H.R. 6429 is not the best policy.

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