[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RATIFICATION OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH AMENDMENT

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                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, May 5th marks the 25th Anniversary 
of the ratification of the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the Constitution 
of the United States. The Twenty-Seventh Amendment guarantees that the 
Members of Congress may not adjust their current salaries, and that any 
changes in pay will not take effect until the next session of Congress. 
James Madison originally proposed this amendment in 1789. However, it 
would take 202 years for this amendment to be ratified by the states. 
Gregory Watson, a constituent of the 21st District of Texas, helped 
restart the push for ratification in 1982. Mr. Watson's involvement 
helped to ratify the amendment on May 5, 1992. This anniversary marks 
an important day for the nation and for Mr. Watson. His efforts 
exemplify superb civic duty and should inspire other to become active 
in our government. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing May 
5th as the Anniversary of the ratification of the 27th Amendment and 
Gregory Watson for the important role he played in its ratification.

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