[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21640]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, due to illness, I unfortunately was unable 
to be present and to vote on the legislation considered by the House on 
September 15, 16, and 17, 2008.
  On rollcall numbers 589, 590, 591, 600, and 601, had I been present, 
I would have voted ``yes.''
  On rollcall numbers 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, and 597, had I been 
present, I would have voted ``no.''
  On rollcall number 599, had I been present, I would have voted 
``no.'' Though the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer 
Protection Act (H.R. 6899) included some good provisions, many of which 
I had supported in the past, the bill also included many provisions 
that concerned me. I was very troubled by the legislative process. The 
drafting and introduction of this legislation included no Republican 
Members, and the bill was offered under a closed rule, prohibiting any 
Republican amendments for consideration.
  On rollcall number 598, had I been present, I would have voted 
``yes.'' A bipartisan compromise was presented in the form of the 
Republican Motion to Recommit.
  I regret that I did not have the opportunity to vote on these 
important measures.

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