[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BAIRD

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2009

  Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, due to record flooding in my 
congressional district and across Washington State, I was unable to be 
present on January 9, 2009 for votes. I take my voting responsibility 
very seriously. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final 
passage of H.R. 11, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. I would also have 
voted ``aye'' on final passage of H.R. 12, the Paycheck Fairness Act. I 
am an original cosponsor of both bills, voted for their passage in the 
110th Congress, and have been a strong and consistent supporter of 
legislation to end gender-based wage discrimination. I strongly oppose 
all forms of discrimination and believe that we must act to restore the 
right for women to challenge wage discrimination.
  I was also not able to cast a vote on H. Res. 34, Recognizing 
Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming 
the United States strong support for Israel, and supporting the 
Israeli-Palestinian peace process. I have traveled to the region and 
met the families and individuals who are affected by the cycle of 
violence that continues to claim lives and wreak havoc on all sides of 
this conflict. As we continue to witness the humanitarian crisis spiral 
out of control in Gaza, and while rocket attacks persist against 
Israel, we are reminded that it is imperative for the United States to 
play a constructive role in pursuing a legitimate peace process that 
provides security and stability to the many innocent people trapped in 
the midst of this untenable status quo. Therefore, I would have voted 
present on this resolution.

                          ____________________