Karen McCarthy

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I thank the esteemed gentleman from Texas [Mr. Hall], ranking member, as well as the gentleman from Colorado [Mr. Dan Schaefer], and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Upton], the sponsor of H.R. 1270. They have all been helpful and supportive in working with me to help clarify an issue related to rail transportation that is incorporated in the bill before us. Mr. Chairman, it is an issue which is critical to the constituents in my district and the citizens of Missouri. While no specific routes for rail shipments have been determined, approximately 1,400 rail shipments of waste projected over the next 30 years, possibly a third of these wastes would be transported through Missouri. There currently are no Federal regulations related to determining preferred rail routes for transportation of this material. My language in this manager's amendment establishes this process to safeguard rail transportation and ensure that the appropriate State and tribal authorities are involved in the decision-making process. Mr. Chairman, this type of consultative relationship and route planning is essential to ensuring the highest levels of safety to our communities. There are other important clarifications in the manager's amendment that further advance safety and transportation portions of this bill. I thank the managers and urge support of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my esteemed ranking member, Mr. Hall, as well as the gentleman from Colorado, Chairman Schaefer, and the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Upton], sponsor of H.R. 1270, who have all been very helpful and supportive in working with me on clarifying an important issue related to rail transportation that is incorporated in the manager's amendment before us. This is an issue that is critically important to the constituents in my district of Greater Kansas City, the second largest rail hub in the nation, and the citizens of Missouri, which contains the 3rd largest rail hub in St. Louis. While no specific routes for rail shipments have been determined, approximately 1,400 rail shipments of waste are projected over thirty years. Existing rail line options are limited for east-west transit and lead us to the realization that a significant percentage of shipments, possibly a third if distributed across all options, would be transported through Missouri. Current Hazardous Materials [HazMat] law established a process, which this legislation builds upon, for highway routing decisions related to transportation of spent nuclear fuel. There currently are no federal regulations related to determining preferred rail routes for the transportation of this material. My language in the Manager's amendment establishes this process to safeguard rail transportation and ensure that the appropriate state and tribal authorities are involved in the decisionmaking process. This type of consultative relationship and route planning is essential to ensuring the highest level of safety for our communities. There are other important clarifications in the manager's amendment that further advance the safety and transportation portions of the bill. I thank the managers for their inclusion of this language in the amendment and urge my colleagues to support the adoption of the amendment.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a great man from Kansas City, Albert P. Mauro, as the first recipient of the American Citizen Award presented by the Southtown Council which for 15 years has brought together area businesses, associations, institutions, and neighborhoods to educate and strengthen our community. Mr. Mauro has served our community for over 40 years. In 1954 he was an assistant to City Manager L.P. Cookingham. He went on to lead the fight to end segregation at General Hospital. He was the public policy architect behind the vision for combining all the entities on hospital hill and more importantly the collaborative funding sources--that is, city, State, county, Federal, and so forth. No other complex has had such a diverse and complex fund mechanism. Through his work, the economic development of our area thrived. His leadership contributed tirelessly to the campaigns for the Boys and Girls Club, the Genesis School, and in securing the construction of the Deramus Education Pavilion at the Kansas City Zoo. Although he has retired as vice president and corporate secretary of Kansas City Southern Industries, he continues to chair the downtown council and serves on numerous boards and civic associations. Mr. Mauro's combination of compassion and ingenuity have produced a brighter future for Kansas City. I join with the Southtown Council in recognizing Mr. Mauro for his leadership, integrity, and friendship. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Mauro on his well-deserved receipt of the First Southtown Council American Citizen Award.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 514, the motion to reconsider the DC bill I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 513, final passage of the D.C. Appropriations bill, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 512, the Moran substitute amendment to DC Appropriations bill, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to cosponsor legislation which I have introduced with the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Shimkus, H.R. 2568, the Energy Policy Act Amendments of 1997. This bipartisan legislation will allow the Federal Government, State, and local governments, as well as private entities and public utilities with large fleets to use a blended product called biodiesel as a part of the alternative fuel vehicle requirements set forth by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 [EPACT]. Biodiesel provides another option for fleet managers who must meet acquisition requirements from recent Department of Energy regulations. The original of alternative fuels did not include biodiesel, a product derived from soybean and other vegetable oils, because the technology had not been fully developed. State and local governments are required to meet a prescribed schedule of new fleet acquisitions that are alternatively fueled, starting at 10 percent in 1997 and ending with 75 percent in 2001 and subsequent futures years. Alternative fuel providers and utilities must meet a higher percentage requirement, starting at 30 percent this year and ending with 90 percent in 2001 and beyond. Offices that must meet these requirements earn credits for each alternatively fueled vehicle obtained during the given time period. Fines up to $50,000 per violation can be imposed for those entities that do not meet the requirements set forth by the implementing regulations. The biodiesel product has many benefits. It is a relatively inexpensive alternative because it can be used as a part of an 80/20 blend with regular diesel fuel without requiring any modification to the diesel engines of existing fleet vehicles. The added value for the environment is the increased biodegradability of the product and the ability to turn waste into fuel. The product tests produce lower emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, aiding local efforts to achieve Clean Air Act compliance. The proposed legislation does not include a tax credit or Federal mandate. Adoption could save the Federal Government and other entities money by providing a less expensive alternative that can be implemented immediately. In my own community, tests are being conducted by the Kansas City area metropolitan transit authority. Several buses are being run on the 80/20 blend so that fuel economy and emissions results can be compared to the standard results using a traditional diesel fuel. Early returns indicate that the fuel will reduce emissions and perform as well as it has in over 100 other demonstrations, reducing emissions by nearly 14 percent. While the cost of operating a vehicle on biodiesel fuel is comparable to the cost of other alternative and replacements fuels, a U.S. Department of Agriculture report indicates that the equipment and infrastructure costs associated with other alternative fuel options--tanks and fueling stations; retrofitting engines--is six to eight times greater than biodiesel. The Federal alternative fuel fleet standards were set in order to help clean the air and promote the use of alternative fuels to reduce our Nation's dependence on foreign sources of oil and gas. H.R. 2568 would help meet the goals of EPACT by allowing for fleet managers to get credit for the actual use of alternative fuels, not just the acquisition of alternatively fueled vehicles. This legislation is a significant advancement in promoting alternatives which help reduce emissions and particulate matter; one that can be implemented quickly with minimal expense because it encourages products and technology which can be most easily adapted to the current fleet. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join the bipartisan sponsors of H.R. 2568 and urge its passage.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Madam Speaker, as one who has worked tirelessly for fiscal responsibility in a bipartisan effort to balance the budget and bring taxpayer relief, I am outraged by the millions of tax dollars being spent investigating past campaigns, while no House action is allowed on reforming the campaign fiance system for the future. Why are Republican leaders in the House continuing to look backward, indeed, closing their eyes to what is so obviously a priority with the citizens of this Nation? In my district they want us to move forward, reform a system that is in dire need of change. Our President is ready. Congressional Democrats on both sides of the aisle, both sides of the rotunda are ready, as well of even some Senate Republicans are calling for reform. Madam Speaker, I urge the House Republican leadership to get on board with a bipartisan, bicameral effort to fix this system.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to Sir John Kerr, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the United States, who will be departing soon to assume the post as the new Permanent Under Secretary of State and head of the diplomatic service--the top official at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Sir John's distinguished career in Great Britain's Foreign Service includes representing the British Government in Moscow, Rawalpundi, Brussels, and most recently, in Washington, DC. As the new Permanent Under Secretary of State, he will direct the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in accomplishing its mission ``to promote the national interests of the United Kingdom and to contribute to a strong world community.'' Sir John and his accomplished wife, Lady Elizabeth, have faced many challenges during their tenure in Washington, DC. They have met each challenge with a grace, skill, and diplomacy that few possess. These accomplishments are the reasons for his promotion to even more responsibility not only to the British people, but to the people of the world. I have mixed feelings upon his departure because although I am happy that he is finally able to return home to such a prestigious post, Washington is losing two of their greatest dignitaries with their departure. Please join me in recognizing Sir John's contributions to the relationship between our two nations, and wish he and Lady Elizabeth Godspeed.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 369, the Blunt amendment to Labor-HHS-Education Appropriation, I was unavoidably detained in transit. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Messrs. KIM, FRANKS of New Jersey, SHIMKUS, and Ms. WATERS changed their vote from ``aye'' to ``no.'' Mr. WHITE changed his vote from ``no'' to ``aye.'' So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge an event that I attended this weekend which exemplifies the rich heritage of the Fifth District of Missouri and demonstrates the phoenix-like results that can come from congressional investments for urban revitalization and bipartisan cooperation to improve our urban centers. That event was the opening of the historic 18th & Vine District Jazz Museum and historic Gem Theater. Kansas City has made a significant contribution to the great American art form known as jazz. The 18th & Vine District is steeped in history, with the old Attucks School on 18th and Woodland which Charlie Parker attended, and the Street Hotel on 18th and Paseo where all of the great players, like Josh Gibson and Rube Foster stayed. The District also includes the Shannon Building on 18th and Vine, where Joe Louis trained, and the Mutual Musicians' Foundation which is registered as a national landmark. This weekend, the area came alive with the music of jazz legends such as Clause (Fiddler) Williams and 81-year-old big band leader Jay McShann. The 18th & Vine Project truly represents the best of American ingenuity and public-private partnership. When the project appeared to be in limbo, and public skepticism was running high, creativity came to the rescue and Federal empowerment zone funds were made available to continue this marvelous effort. Private sector commitments came from large corporations such as Sprint planning to open a call center in the district, and small business such as Winslow's BBQ agreeing to manage the Blue Room night club in the jazz museum. Further evidence of the public-private commitment can be seen in the opening of Count Basie Court Apartments, which was a collaborative effort joining the local private Citizen Housing Information Center and Black Economic Union with Federal housing development initiatives. The Federal empowerment zone initiative is critical for directing resources to revitalize urban areas. Kansas City is maximizing this tool for economic development within our communities and neighborhoods. The congressional bipartisan tax relief package, recently signed into law by the President, included not only an expansion of the empowerment zone initiative, but also a perfect compliment--the brownfields initiative, which provides incentives to transform economically distressed areas and hazardous waste sites into thriving economic centers by providing developers and businesses with a tax credit to improve and reclaim the land. What is happening in Kansas City is a stellar example of the way the partnership between the public and private sectors and the Federal, State, and local governments can work, and a fundamental reason that the Environmental Protection Agency chose to hold its 1997 national brownfields conference here last week. Initiatives such as the 18th & Vine District, building upon the heritage and unique qualities of that community, create jobs within the community--bolstering local welfare to work activities--and cleaner, safer, and more livable neighborhoods out of areas that were urban blight Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the efforts of the community embodied in the opening of the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz Museum and Gem Theater and acknowledging the accomplishment of this important public-private partnership. It serves as an example of successful coordination among economic development, welfare-to-work initiatives, and environmental cleanup in our great Nation.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this resolution and to express my deep sorrow over the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, a special humanitarian who improved the lives of people throughout the world. Her devotion to others less fortunate, and her willingness to embrace them, hold them, and comfort them, should forever serve as a reminder to all public servants of their responsibility to care for those who are unable to help themselves. The outpouring of grief from all corners of the globe during vigils such as those held in my district reaffirm that she is the people's princess. Through her energy and dedication she inspired worldwide efforts to solve problems such as AIDS, homelessness, leprosy, and the indiscriminate devastation caused by land mines. She had a genuine understanding of the struggles which the people have with daily life, and did not hesitate to demonstrate her empathy for those suffering by discussing her own personal battles. Princess Diana did not use her position for personal gain; she used her celebrity to bring attention to the plight of those whom the world might otherwise ignore. The ability to bring attention to the charities and causes she supported and her devotion to them was one of the reasons that she continued to operate even under the challenging conditions that apparently contributed to her death. We must take this opportunity to reflect on her gracious and giving spirit and hope that we can somehow learn from this tragedy and carry on her efforts to bring attention to the plight of the poor and bring relief to those in need of assistance. Her overriding concern for the condition of others and her dedication to the causes she committed herself to are the greatest examples of what public service should be, giving back to one's community, and thus leaving the world a better place.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Tax Payer Relief Act of 1997 (H.R. 2014). This historic legislation provides for needed relief for working families. It achieves a goal of mine to balance the budget. reduce the deficit, and invest in our future. This initiative invests in our children and our future hopes for them through greater access to health care and educational opportunities. The education tax provisions will also benefit their parents who seek to improve and expand their own skills to meet new career challenges in our global economy. In my community, the metropolitan community colleges have excelled in connecting our employers with qualified employees through extensive business and community partnership. The Vice President visited the business and technology center in my district last year to highlight their success as a model for our Nation. This initiative will only enhance the potential of elevating our work force to the level of competitiveness needed. One aspect of the legislation important to the people of the fifth district is the brownfield tax credit. Qualified companies would be allowed to deduct the costs associated with remediation of contaminated sites in order to promote development in these areas. In my district both the Westside Industrial Park conversion of an old train yard into a useable property, as well as the rejuvenation of the Union Station project are now closer to reality. In eastern Jackson County these tax credits will allow for completion of the Jackson County Expressway. The economic boom created with this new freeway will generate job growth and economic expansion. One of the major victories which was accomplished with this legislation was the rightful return of the dedicated 4.3 cents gasoline tax to the Transportation Trust Fund. The previous diversion of these funds unfairly masked the true amount of the deficit. The availability of these funds for projects in the metropolitan Kansas City area will afford the opportunity to improve the safety and efficiency of the highway system and complete critical infrastructure projects such as the Chouteau Bridge, and the completion of the Bruce R. Watkins Freeway, which has been 25 years in the making. Reduction of the capital gains tax for middle class Americans will keep our economy strong by increasing the capital available to continue to grow our economy. Reduction in the inheritance taxes will enable small businesses to stay within families. We must be vigilant in Congress to ensure that the systems in place to guarantee the budget is balanced by the year 2002 remain. Similarly, Congress will have to continue to reduce the deficit through setting smart spending priorities. Balancing the budget and reducing the deficit will yield further rewards for our country; deviating from those worthy goals will threaten to erode value which this tax package provides for our constituents. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill and urge its adoption. Thank you.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 307, I was unavoidably detained at the White House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support passage of H.R. 2015, the Balanced Budget Act. Balancing the budget is one of the most important actions we can take to keep the economy strong, provide jobs, and keep the American dream alive for future generations. I offer my support to move the process forward because I see this bill as a work in progress. The measure has several problems that I hope will be resolved as the details are worked out in the Conference Committee. These are provisions that go beyond being characterized as difficult decisions; they are important issues that must be addressed or we will create problems larger than those we are trying to solve with this legislation. One of the most serious issues for my home State of Missouri is the method by which we achieve the Medicaid savings called for in the budget agreement. All of the savings for Medicaid are targeted to come from the Disproportionate Share Hospital Program, and in particular, the formula that was reported out of the Commerce Committee targeted the greatest amount of cuts from the States that use the Disproportionate Share Program the most. While there may have been problems associated with the program in other States, Missouri runs a very efficient program and has always used the Disproportionate Share funds to compensate hospitals for the cost of providing care to the indigent and uninsured. The formula should be changed by the Conference Committee to better distribute the savings from the Disproprionate Share Program among all States that use those funds. Another of the more serious problems with this bill is its complete disregard for sound spectrum policy. Once again, common sense has taken a back seat to budgetary needs, and another spectrum auction has been ordered that will not raise the funds that are expected. For the past 5 years, spectrum space has been sold to pay for our budget needs, yet each year the financial return on these auctions has decreased. The future market is uncertain since the current market is saturated with spectrum. In addition, the spectrum market devaluation affects minority and women-owned businesses who have been allowed to make a longer payment schedule for their previous spectrum investments. A third item that must be improved is the provision relating to expanding health care coverage for uninsured children. As a member of the Democratic Children's Health Care Task Force, I support efforts to provide assistance to the estimated 10 million children in this country that currently are not insured. The Democratic alternative builds on the Medicaid Program, with an enhanced match which would provide children in need with the greatest chance for appropriate care and an adequate benefits package. The provisions of this bill use a block grant approach which, according to CBO, may only cover 500,000 additional children, not the 5 million goal outlined in the budget negotiations. I commend all negotiators who have worked tirelessly on this legislation. The task of balancing the budget is not an easy one. We have to be prepared to make tough choices that may be difficult for our constituencies back home. The bill achieves an important goal that I have worked toward during my entire tenure in Congress, a balanced Federal budget. I therefore support efforts to send H.R. 2015 to the conference committee in the hope of further improvements prior to final passage.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to House Joint Resolution 79 and in support of the President's decision to extend normal trade relations with the People's Republic of China. Terminating our current trade relationship with China would undermine America's economic interests in those States such as my own. The American consumer would be burdened with dramatic price increases. Thousands of American trade and investment jobs would be lost. Chinese retaliation would likely exclude companies from opportunities in one of the world's fastest grow economies. Last year Missouri companies alone exported over $80 million in goods to China, an increase of over 64 percent from the previous year. United States exports to China currently support over 200,000 American jobs. The jobs which have been created have been good, high paying jobs. In my home State of Missouri employment by foreign subsidiaries has risen 165 percent since 1980. Manufacturing jobs created by foreign investment have risen 51 percent. In my district MFN for China means that agribusinesses, high technology, and avionics industries are able to export their goods to one of the world's largest markets. From national firms like Farmland Industries to regional companies like Hanna Rubber Co. and small family-owned businesses such as Sun Electronics in Raytown, MO, MFN for China means jobs, revenue and business. I have grave concerns over China's human rights record, particularly the practice of female infanticide, which has no place in any society. I have a constituent, Mattie, who was born in China just 2 years ago. She was adopted by loving Missouri parents and is living the American dream of freedom unknown in her native land. I want to advance our values within China so that future Chinese baby girls like Mattie can live proud and free within China as well. We cannot walk away from this or any other problem that China faces. We have a moral obligation to remain engaged with China so that they can learn our values of democracy. I urge this body to reject the resolution and extend normal trade relations to the People's Republic of China. Revoking trade privileges will reverse the progress that the Chinese people have made in their struggle for basic political, religious, and economic freedoms. The power of our democratic principles and ideals eventually led to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. It is important that we continue to engage in debate with China until we achieve victory in Asia as well. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I support extending normal trade relations to the People's Republic of China, and I urge my colleagues to reject House Joint Resolution 79.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Snowbarger, and I, rise today to pay tribute to the life of a man who has given much to his country. Brig. Gen. James Downs Latham is being honored Friday, June 20 for his retirement from the Air Force after a distinguished career of service. A native of the Kansas city area, General Latham started his Air Force career in pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma after receiving a B.S. degree in psychology from Kansas State University in 1969. An accomplished swimmer, he attended the university on a swimming scholarship where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He served as president of the Intrafraternity Council at KSU. He went on to become a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours, including 383 combat missions in Southeast and Southwest Asia. His commands have included a tactical fighter squadron, two fighter wings, a composite wing, Squadron Officer School, and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. General Latham's courage and bravery were exemplified by his voluntary assignment as a high speed forward Air Controller--(Wolf Fac.) during the Vietnam conflict. It was on such a mission that his F4 phantom jet fighter was shot down over North Vietnam in October, 1972. He was immediately captured and detained in the southern panhandle of North Vietnam. In what has become known as a daring and legendary escape, he evaded his captors through the jungle and out into the South China Sea only to be recaptured and imprisoned in Hanoi until his release in the Spring of 1973. Known throughout the entire Air Force as the best of the best aviators, he was selected as commander/leader of the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's elite demonstration team. He was the first major to lead this prestigious group of aviators. He has received numerous awards and decorations. His decorations include the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. General Latham was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and devotion to duty while flying against opposing armed forces in Southeast Asia and facing certain torture and probable death while a prisoner of war. His Purple Heart was awarded for the wounds incurred as a direct result of the Vietnam conflict. General Latham's many awards are a testimony to his qualities as a leader and to his abilities as a team builder in the finest tradition of the Air Force. Whether flying fighter aircraft, commanding fellow servicemen, or working in the Pentagon, General Jim Latham has shown courage throughout his career. Our Nation can be proud of this fine citizen whose dedication to his country make him truly a great American. Mr. Speaker, please join us in extending congratulations to General Latham and his wife, Sue, his daughters, Minde, Kendra, and Brecke and his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Latham.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention the possible deportation of a number of Irish nationals to Northern Ireland. This is an extremely important issue and one that we, as policymakers, must address. I'd like to share with you the plight of one family which will be torn apart if deportation occurs. Matthew Morrison came to our Nation from the town of Derry in Northern Ireland. He came to America to escape a life of hardship and oppression. As a young man, he had been a member of the Irish Republican Army, and had been imprisoned as a ``special category'' political prisoner by the British. He was convicted of crimes without the benefit of a jury or an impartial court. Upon his release, Matt traveled to America where he met his wife Francie Broderick, who testified before the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs in February of this year. The couple have two children and live a peaceful and productive life in St. Louis, MO. Matt has never been in trouble with the law here. Matt's only crime since coming to the United States has been that he has listened to his conscience. He has been a vocal critic of the human rights violations by the British in Northern Ireland, and has actively worked to enlighten those around him. I would like the record to reflect that Matt Morrison has lived peacefully in the United States since December 22, 1985. I am strongly opposed to any action which would jeopardize his right to fair and impartial justice. I am also very concerned about the effect that his return would have on the peace and stability that we all seek in Northern Ireland. Our Government, which values family and community, should consider the impact on the Morrison family that deporting the father of two young children would bring.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, when Congress considers issues as critical as those debated today involving the life and health of American women, public policy considerations should take precedence over partisan politics. I am disappointed that we were unable to engage in such a discussion on this difficult issue. The procedural maneuvers of the majority party removed all hope of having meaningful consideration of the late term abortion issue. The original language proposed in H.R. 929 was dropped by the Rules Committee last night and the consideration of the bipartisan Hoyer- Greenwood measure prohibited. The Frank motion would have allowed the House to reflect further on language which would provide necessary safeguards for women who might have no other option but to use this procedure. I firmly support the current law of the land regarding a woman's right to privacy. I believe that viable pregnancies dictate more protection and that adopting the Frank language is a reasonable solution. Unfortunately, political gamesmanship has thwarted thoughtful policymakers who want to meaningfully address this issue. I have wrestled with this difficult vote in terms of balancing my concern associated with this specific procedure and the need to observe the Roe decision which reflects the mainstream in Congress and in America. I will continue to work for a more thoughtful deliberation by the House of Representatives on this divisive issue. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important subject.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the Record for Thursday, March 13, incorrectly listed my declared intention to vote on rollcall vote Nos. 49 and 50 regarding moving the previous question and final passage of the Paperwork Reduction Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 49 and ``yes'' on rollcall 50. I was present and voted on rollcall No. 48.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcalls No. 48 and 49 I was unavoidably detained in transit. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 48 and ``yes'' on rollcall No. 49.

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 36, on House Concurrent Resolution 16. I was detained in transit. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I would like the Record to reflect that had I been present for rollcall vote 33, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I would like the Record to reflect that had I been present for rollcall vote No. 32, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I would like the Record to reflect that had I been present for rollcall vote 35, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri

Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 34, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''