[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8273]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2003

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I hosted an important Hometown Values tour 
in my district on March 31 and April 1 meeting with local educators, 
parents and students to discuss the numerous education needs and 
challenges in Pine, Chisago, and Isanti counties. I also hosted an 
important Hometown Values Forum to examine the opportunities to promote 
physical activity and public health by making our communities more 
accessible to walking and bicycling.
  As a result of these important meetings, I was unable to cast my vote 
on legislation that the House considered on those two days. Had I been 
present, I would have voted ``nay'' on Rollcall Vote 92, and I am 
pleased that the House defeated this unacceptable smallpox legislation; 
I would have voted ``aye'' on Rollcall Vote 93; I would have voted 
``aye'' on Rollcall Vote 94; I would have voted ``aye'' on Rollcall 
Vote 95, and I am pleased that the House voted overwhelmingly to reject 
the proposed reductions in Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits and 
railroad retiree pensions. I would have voted ``aye'' on Rollcall Vote 
96; and I would have voted ``aye'' on Rollcall Vote 97.

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