Deborah Pryce

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. On October 10, 1998, I was absent due to an illness in my family. I received an official leave of absence from the majority leader in this regard. However, had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner on the following legislation: H.R. 4567. To revise Medicare program--On suspending the rules and passing the bill (Rollcall No. 516) ``aye,'' H. Con. Res. 334. Relating to Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization--On suspending the rules and agreeing to the concurrent resolution (Rollcall No. 517) ``aye.'' H. Con. Res. 320. To support the Baltic people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania--On suspending the rules and passing the concurrent resolution (Rollcall No. 518) ``aye.'' H.R. 2616. Charter Schools Senate Amendments--On suspending the rules and passing the bill (Rollcall No. 519) ``aye.'' S. 852. Auto Salvage--On suspending the rules and passing the bill (Rollcall No. 520) ``aye.''

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 4110, the Veterans Programs Enhancement Act of 1998, which will help to continue our commitment to our nation's veterans. I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes a bill, which I introduced H.R. 4602, naming the Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Columbus, Ohio after Chalmers P. Wylie. I would like to express a note of personal thanks to Chairman Stump and Ranking-Members Lane Evans of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, as well as Chairman Specter and Ranking-Member Rockefeller of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for their support and assistance on this legislation. I would also like to express my appreciation for the support of all 18 members of the Ohio congressional delegation, who were original co-sponsors of this legislation. Finally, I would like to thank Senator Mike DeWine and Senator Glenn for their efforts and support in the Senate. Sadly, on August 14, 1998, former Representative Chalmers Wylie passed away at the age of 77. First elected to the House of Representatives in 1966, Chalmers Wylie served thirteen terms, rising to ranking member of the House Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs Committee. Mr. Wylie dedicated his life to serving Ohio and, in particular, the people of the 15th District. He earned the respect and admiration of everyone with whom he came in contact and, still today, constituents speak of him fondly wherever I go. While many knew of Chalmers Wylie's wonderful service in the House of Representatives, few people knew of his distinguished service during World War II. Chalmers Wylie was an Army combat veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained while rescuing fallen comrades in Germany. Mr. Wylie also was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation with two oak-leaf clusters, and the French Croix de Guerre and Belgian Fouragier. During his service in Congress, Chalmers Wylie also served as a distinguished member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. In this position, he fought for the veterans of our nation and was instrumental in improving veteran access to medical care in Columbus, Ohio through the establishment of the Vetrans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. It is a fitting end to our legislative session to have Members of Congress honoring one of our own. Chalmers Wylie was a distinguished Member of Congress, a dedicated veteran, and a devoted Ohioan, and he is deserving of this proper tribute.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, during the week of September 28, 1998, I was absent due to an illness in my family. I received an official leave of absence from the Majority Leader in this regard. However, had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner on the following legislation: Monday, September 28, 1998 H.R. 3891--Trademark Anticounterfeiting Act: Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass the bill (Roll Call No. 470): AYE H.R. 4103--Defense Appropriations Act for FY 1999: On Agreeing to the Conference Report (Roll Call No. 471): AYE H.R. 4060--Energy and Water Development Appropriations for FY 1999: On Agreeing to the Conference Report (Roll Call No. 472): AYE H.R. 3150--Bankruptcy Reform Act: On the Motion to Instruct Conferees (Roll Call No. 473): AYE Thursday, October 1, 1998 S. 2073--Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act: On the Motion to Go to Conference (Roll Call No. 474):

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, with the adoption today of the conference report on H.R. 4060, the Fiscal Year 1999 Energy and Water Development Appropriations, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the House and Senate conferees for the inclusion of $14 million for the West Columbus Floodwall Project. Each year, as the appropriations process unfolds in Congress, I have made budget requests for the Floodwall Project, and have closely monitored the process to ensure that it receives the funding it needs. I remain committed toward achieving this goal. The $14 million included in this conference report will allow this project to proceed on-schedule and on-budget. The threat of a major flood disaster continues to loom Columbus and Central Ohio. In 1913, 1937, and 1959, melting snow and heavy rains caused the Scioto River to overflow its banks. The resulting catastrophic floods caused the loss of many lives, destroyed homes and businesses, and damaged millions of dollars worth of residential and commercial property. Until the Floodwall Project is completed, the potential for a major flood disaster will continue to threaten citizens, homes, and businesses located in the very heart of downtown Columbus that borders the Scioto River. Currently, approximately 17,000 residents continue to be placed at risk of life, injury, and hardship. Should a 100-year frequency flood occur prior to completion of the project, the damages are estimated at $365 million and should a 500- year flood occur, the damages are estimated to exceed $455 million. While risk to human life and safety is of paramount concern, completion of the Floodwall will also permit important new development along the Columbus riverfront. Columbus is now the largest city in Ohio and the sixteenth largest city in the United States. Its economy is strong and the city is experiencing rapid growth. New construction in the downtown riverfront area, however, will not be able to proceed until the Floodwall construction is completed. Without the important protection of the Floodwall, this looming risk will deter future business and housing development, economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and recreational opportunities in the city. Currently, flood plain zoning restrictions continue to remain in place for 5,520 residences and 650 non-residential structures, as well as the future development of 2,800 acres. It is, therefore, imperative to the city's growth and economic health that the Floodwall Project continue on schedule. Therefore, it is not only the safety of Columbus residents and businesses, but also the future growth of the city's downtown which depends on the timely completion of this important project. On behalf of those that continue to live with the threat of a major disaster in Columbus and Central Ohio, let me again thank all the Members for their assistance on this very important project.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, during the week of September 21, 1998, I was absent due to an illness in my family. I received an official leave of absence from the Majority Leader in this regard. However, had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner on the following legislation: Wednesday, September 23, 1998 H. Res. 545--impeaching Kenneth W. Starr, an independent counsel of the United States appointed pursuant to 28 United States Code section 593(b), of high crimes and misdemeanors, motion to table the measure (Roll Call No. 453): AYE. H. Res. 144--to express support for the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (Roll Call No. 454): AYE. H. Res. 505--expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the importance of diplomatic relations with the Pacific Island nations (Roll Call No. 455): AYE. H. Con. Res. 315--expressing the sense of the Congress condemning the atrocities by Serbian police and military forces against Albanians in Kosova and urging that blocked assets of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbian and Montenegro) under control of the United States and other governments be used to compensate the Albanians in Kosova for losses suffered through Serbian police and military action (Roll Call No. 456): AYE. Thursday, September 24, 1998 H.R. 4112--making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purposes (Roll Call No. 457): AYE. H.R. 3616--to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1999 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 1999, and for other purposes (Roll Call No. 458): AYE. H.R. 3736--to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make changes relating to H-1B nonimmigrants: On agreeing to the Watt (NC) amendment (Roll Call No. 459): NAY On final passage (Roll Call No. 460): AYE. Friday, September 25, 1998: H. Res. 552--providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4578) to amend the Social Security Act to establish the Protect Social Security Account into which the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit budget surpluses until a reform measure is enacted to ensure the long-term solvency of the OASDI trust funds, and for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4579) to provide tax relief for individuals, families, and farming and other small businesses, to provide tax incentives for education, to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes; On ordering the previous question (Roll Call No. 461): AYE. On agreeing to the resolution (Roll Call No. 462): AYE. H.R. 4578--to amend the Social Security Act to establish the Protect Social Security Account into which the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit budget surpluses until a reform measure is enacted to ensure the long-term solvency of the OASDI trust funds; On agreeing to the Rangel amendment (Roll Call No. 463): NAY. On passage (Roll Call No. 464): AYE. H. Res. 553--providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2621) to extend trade authorities procedures with respect to reciprocal trade agreements, and for other purposes (Roll Call No. 465): AYE. H.R. 2621--to extend trade authorities procedures with respect to reciprocal trade agreements, and for other purposes (Roll Call No. 466): AYE. Saturday, September 26, 1998: On approving the Journal (Roll Call No. 467): AYE. H.R. 4579--Taxpayer Relier Act of 1998: On agreeing to the Rangel Amendment (Roll Call No. 468): NAY. On passage (Roll Call No. 469): AYE.

Ms. PRYCE

Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, during the week of September 14, 1998, I was absent due to an illness in my family. I received an official leave of absence from the Majority Leader in this regard. However, had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner on the following legislation: Monday, September 14, 1998 S. 2206--Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act (Roll Call No. 426): Aye. H. Con. Res. 304--Expressing the Sense of Congress Regarding the Culpability of Slobodan Milosovic for War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, and Genocide in the Former Yugoslavia (Roll Call No. 427): Aye. H. Con. Res. 254--Calling on the Government of Cuba to Extradite to the United States Convicted Felon Joanne Chesimard and all other Individual who have Fled the United States to Avoid Prosecution or confinement for Criminal Offenses and who Currently Living Freely in Cuba (Role Call No. 428): Aye. H. Con. Res. 185--Sense of the Congress on the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Recommitting the U.S. to the Principles Expressed in the Declaration (Roll Call No. 429): Aye. Tuesday, September 15, 1998 H.R. 4101 (Roll Call No. 430)--making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purposes. On ordering the previous question: Aye. H.R. 4103--Department of Defense Appropriations: On motion to instruct conferees (Roll Call No. 431): Aye. On motion to close portions of the conference (Roll Call No. 432): Aye. H.R. 4328--making appropriations for the Department of Transportation and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999 and for other purposes: On motion to instruct conferees (Roll Call No. 433): Aye. H.R. 4194--making appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporation, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purposes: On motion to instruct conferences (Roll Call No. 434): Aye. H.J. Res. 117--expressing the sense of Congress that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug and should not be legalized for medicinal use (Roll Call No. 435): Aye. S. 2073--to authorize appropriations for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (Roll Call No. 436): Aye. H.R. 4382--to amend the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the program for mammography quality standards (Roll Call No. 437): Aye. Wednesday, September 16, 1998 H.R. 4300--to support enhanced drug interdiction efforts in the major transit countries and support a comprehensive supply eradication and crop substitution program in source countries: On agreeing to the McCollum amendment (Roll Call No. 438): Aye. On agreeing to the Reyes amendment as modified (Roll Call No. 439): Nay. On agreeing to the Traficant amendment (Roll Call No. 440): Aye. On agreeing to the Waters amendment (Roll Call No. 441): Nay. Final Passage (Roll Call No. 442): Aye. H.R. 4550--to provide for programs to facilitate a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse through reducing the demand illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of illegal drugs: On agreeing to the Taylor amendment (Roll Call No. 443): Nay. Final Passage (Roll Call No. 444): Aye. Thursday, September 17, 1998 H.J. Res. 128 (Roll Call No. 445)--making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1999 (Roll Call No. 445): Aye. H.R. 4569--making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purposes. H. Res. 542 (Roll Call No. 446)--providing for consideration of H.R. 4569 making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purpose: Aye. On agreeing to the Porter Amendment (Roll Call No. 447): Aye. On agreeing to the Kennedy Amendment (Roll Call No. 448): Nay. On passage (Roll Call No. 449): Aye. Friday, September 18, 1998 H.R. 3248--Dollars to the Classroom Act: On agreeing to the Mink amendment: (Roll Call 450): Nay. On agreeing to the Martinez amendment (Roll Call 451): Nay. On passage: (Roll No. 452): Aye.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, sadly, on August 14, 1998, former Representative Chalmers Wylie passed away at the age of 77. First elected to the House of Representatives in 1966, Chalmers Wylie served thirteen terms, rising to ranking member of the House Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs Committee. Mr. Wylie dedicated his life to serving Ohio and, in particular, the people of the 15th District. He earned the respect and admiration of everyone with whom he came in contact and, still today, constituents speak of him fondly wherever I go. While many knew of Chalmers Wylie's wonderful service in the House of Representatives, few people knew of his distinguished service during World War II. Chalmers Wylie was an Army combat veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained while rescuing fallen comrades in Germany. Mr. Wylie also was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation with two oak-leaf clusters, as well as the French Croix de Guerre and Belgian Fourragere. During his service in Congress, Chalmers Wylie also served as a distinguished member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. In this position, he fought for the veterans of our nation and was instrumental in improving veteran access to medical care in Columbus, Ohio through the establishment of the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. Today, with the support of the entire Ohio Delegation, I am introducing legislation to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic located at 543 Taylor Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, the ``Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic.'' I hope that my colleagues in the House will support the swift passage of this fitting tribute to Chalmers P. Wylie for his years of dedication and service to our nation.

Mr. PRYCE of Ohio

Mr. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, during the week of September 9, 1998, I was absent due to an illness in my family. I received an official leave of absence from the Majority Leader in this regard. However, had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner on the following legislation: Wednesday, September 9, 1998 H.R. 678--Thomas Alva Edison Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act: AYE. H.R. 1560--Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act: AYE. H.Res. 459--Commemorating 50 Years of Relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea: AYE. Thursday, September 10, 1998 H.R. 2863--Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act: AYE. H.R. 2538--Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty Land Claims Act: AYE. H.R. 3892--English Language Fluency Act: Martinez Amendment to the Riggs Amendment (#2): NAY. Riggs Amendment (#2): AYE. Final Passage: AYE. Friday, September 11, 1998 H.Res. 525--Providing for Review by the Committee on the Judiciary of a Communication from the Independent Counsel: AYE.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment offered by my fellow Buckeye State colleague, Mr. Traficant, and I commend him for his leadership on this issue. All families in Ohio, which include my constituents in and around Columbus, were placed in serious harm's way as a result of the recent breakout of six inmates from the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center located in Youngstown. Five of the escapees were murderers who had been transferred to Youngstown by the District of Columbia. We are all a little bit relieved to know that, thanks to excellent law enforcement, five of the six inmates have been caught, but one remains at large and remains a menace to all citizens of this country. Mr. Chairman, what is particularly alarming about this situation is that some of those murderers who escaped had absolutely no business being transferred by the District of Columbia to the Youngstown facility, which is designed to house medium risk criminals--not the extremely violent, high-risk variety like those thugs who escaped. This situation is unacceptable, and the people of Ohio will not stand for it. Who is responsible for this? One thing appears certain, the District of Columbia agreed only to transfer medium-risk criminals to Youngstown. Yet, in the words of the director of the D.C. Corrections Department, many of the prisoners transferred by the District of Columbia to Youngstown were inmates who had ``committed murder and mayhem'' and were ``some of the most recalcitrant inmates to come out of'' the D.C. penitentiary. In other words, the District of Columbia either was grossly negligent or they callously hoodwinked the people of Ohio. Either way, the gentleman from Youngstown, and I demand that the District of Columbia fully account for this situation and be held accountable, accordingly. Mr. Traficant's amendment will help ensure that the events of the past are not repeated by the District of Columbia. In addition, I believe we should explore other avenues in coordination with state officials like Ohio attorney general Betty Montgomery, who has expressed to me her commitment to make sure that the people of Ohio are protected. I urge support for the Traficant amendment.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bilbray). (Mr. BILBRAY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Let me just say in response to some of my colleagues' concerns that this conference report contains the identical language of the other nine existing compacts. Further, it is not the intention of Congress to create a proscriptive regime for the States. It was intended to allow the States to manage for themselves the safe disposal of low-level waste as they see fit, without burdensome Federal regulation. It is important to note that all eight conferees agreed to this course of action. Let me remind my colleagues once again that this rule will allow the House to consider the conference report which is supported by the governors of the member States as well as the National Governors Association, the Western Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. I once again strongly urge my colleagues to support this rule and therefore allow the House to consider the conference report on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), my good friend and colleague, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Baldacci).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Dan Schaefer), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, that is very kind. I appreciate that. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 511 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Henry Bonilla).

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 28, the Committee on Rules met and granted a rule to provide for the consideration of the conference report accompanying H.R. 629, the Texas low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Consent Act. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. Mr. Speaker, in 1980, Congress passed legislation to provide a system for States to take responsibility for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Examples of low-level radioactive waste include that which is disposed of by hospitals, universities conducting research, and by electric utilities. This waste poses relatively few risks and typically does not require any special protective shielding to make it safe for workers and communities. When it passed the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980, Congress recognized that, while the Federal Government should handle high-level waste, that States should be primarily responsible for disposal of the low-level waste generated within their own borders. Through the 1980 act, Congress encouraged States to either build their own disposal sites or enter into compacts with other States to share waste disposal facilities. That is exactly what the States of Texas, Vermont and Maine have done. Mr. Speaker, on October 7, 1997, this body considered and passed H.R. 629 by an overwhelming vote of 309 to 107. During its initial consideration in this body, an amendment was accepted to limit the compact disposal facility to accept waste solely from the States of Texas, Maine and Vermont. This amendment was accepted on the condition that the affected States would be consulted as to the impact such a limitation would have on their ability to effectively implement the compact. The conferees concluded, after consultation with the affected States, that the limiting language would not be in the best interests of the compact. The additional language would present serious questions regarding the need for reratification, and it would lead to costly litigation, and it would create an uneven playing field within the compact system. In addition, such a limitation would create a possible infringement on State sovereignty. Compacts are contractual agreements between the States, as required by Congress. In fact, Congress has historically ratified them without amendments. This rule will provide for the consideration of a clean bill that deals with a straightforward process, the ratification of an interstate compact under the 1980 law, as Congress intended. Once again, it is important to point out that the States of Texas, Maine and Vermont have done their job. They have negotiated a compact between them to provide for the responsible disposal of low-level radioactive waste and submitted it to this body as required under Federal statute, for the consent of the Congress. That is exactly what this conference report will allow us to do: tell the States of Texas, Maine and Vermont whether or not we accept their mutual agreement. As I have stated before, Congress has already given its consent to nine such compacts covering 41 States. This conference report will ratify compact number 10. This conference report has the strong support of the governors of the member States as well as the National Governors Association, the Western Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Mr. Speaker, as we heard during the testimony in the Committee on Rules, this issue has been around for a long time. Adoption of this rule and the conference report will finally allow the States of Texas, Maine and Vermont to see light at the end of the tunnel. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to support the rule so that we may consider the conference report on H.R. 629. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. (Ms. Slaughter asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this resolution.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), a member of the Committee on Commerce. (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me this time, and I rise in strong support of this rule. And as a member of the working group on health care quality, I first want to thank our chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Denny Hastert), for his patience and expertise and many hours of hard work that got us here today. Mr. Speaker, the Patient Protection Act is the only managed care reform bill that goes beyond patient protection to address the issues of access and affordability of health care. Not only does this bill ban gag rules, provide emergency room access, and guaranty a choice of provider, it increases the number of people with insurance. It does that by helping small employers purchase affordable health benefits for their employees. Now, it is nice to talk about quality. We all want the best health care we can get. But A-plus care does not help if we cannot afford to buy it. The Democrat proposal would price many, many people out of the market. We all know that more requirements, regulations, and government is not going to make insurance any cheaper. Rest assured, more government largess is just what we will get with the Democrat health bill. Now, liability has become the rallying cry for the opponents of the Patient Protection Act. And the health care working group discussed this issue at length and came to some very rational conclusions. As a former judge, I think the solution we provide meets every legitimate goal of liability reform. The bottom line is that Americans pay a pretty sum for their health insurance and they expect it to cover the health care that they need when they need it. That is the crux of this debate. Patients do not want bureaucrats denying their access to care; and when a claim is denied, patients want a quick remedy that relies on the opinion of a medical professional. But my Democratic colleagues would tell these dissatisfied patients that they must hire a lawyer and they send them off to court. Mr. Speaker, what the Democrats fail to understand is that patients do not want a lawyer, a court date and expensive litigation. They want a doctor, a diagnosis, and treatment their doctor tells them that they need. The Republican bill will get them that care by guaranteeing patient access to expedited review by independent medical experts. The Republican plan keeps patients out of court and in the health care system, and it requires the health plans to provide the coverage that they are promised. The expedited appeals process in the Patient Protection Act gives patients the leverage they need to quickly get the care they deserve without going to court and waiting through years and years of litigation. I urge my colleagues to support patients, not lawyers' paychecks, and vote for this rule and the Republican Patient Protection Act.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's concerns about the reserve fund. However, this debate would have been more appropriate at the time the fund was created. In my mind it makes good business sense for the House to be prepared for the unexpected by establishing a contingency fund. It is common practice among businesses, and there is no reason that the House should not adopt sound business practices. Mr. Speaker, I would point out that this fund is accountable. The House Committee on Oversight controls these dollars, and a vote of the committee is required to expend the money. It is all very public. What is unfortunate is that there are so many questionable activities that call for congressional investigation which require the use of this money. It is also unfortunate that we have witnessed a lack of cooperation in these investigations which has made them much more time consuming and expensive. The Legislative Branch bill is bipartisan. There is no reason to drag down this bill with politically charged debate. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, for the purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 489 is a structured rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 4112, the fiscal year 1999 Legislative Branch appropriations bill. At the outset, I would like to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano) for their bipartisan efforts to produce a good bill which continues our efforts to create a smaller, smarter government and to lead by example. For instance, H.R. 4112 scales back employment in the Legislative Branch by eliminating 438 positions. The bill continues efforts to reduce redundancy and inefficiencies by preparing for the closure of the Joint Committee on Printing. That said, some of my colleagues may point out that this bill actually provides for a slight increase in spending over last year's level. However, taken in the context of our progress over 4 years, it contributes to an overall savings of $575 million in Legislative Branch spending under this majority. In fact, since 1994, over 15 percent of the Legislative Branch has been downsized. The rule before us will provide an opportunity to acknowledge this good work and debate what more we can do to improve the operations of this institution. Specifically, the rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations. Under the rule, clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI is waived as are clause 3 and 7 of rule XXI. In our hearing yesterday, the Committee on Rules heard no objection to these provisions which are designed to facilitate consideration of this bipartisan bill. The rule also waives section 104 of the Budget Act which is necessary to provide for the salary of the Director of the Congressional Research Service. In addition, this waiver will protect provisions in the bill that address severance pay and early retirement for employees of the Architect of the Capitol as well as voluntary separation incentives for employees of the Government Printing Office. Further, clause 2 of rule XXI which prohibits unauthorized appropriations or legislative provisions in a general appropriations bill is waived, as is clause 6 of rule XXI which prohibits reappropriations in a general appropriations bill. However, these waivers do not apply to section 108 of the bill. Section 108 allows the House to participate in State and local government transit programs which encourage employees to use public transportation. This is an idea that has merit which is evidenced by the bipartisan support it has gained as a freestanding bill. There are many private businesses as well as government agencies which compensate employees for part of their public transportation expenses. There is no reason the House should not consider affording the benefit to its employees. However, the Committee on Rules believes it is wiser to allow this change in House policy to run through the normal channels of committee consideration rather than add it on to a spending bill. Under the rule, the two amendments printed in the Committee on Rules report are the only ones made in order for House consideration. These amendments, both offered by Democrat Members, address the important issues of recycling and energy conservation. I know that many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are interested in these issues. In fact, a number of us have developed office policies to encourage such efficiencies. But there is much more we can do as an institution to improve upon these efforts and it makes sense to do these things in terms of fulfilling both environmental and fiscal responsibilities. Under the rule, these amendments may be offered by the Democratic Members designated in the Committee on Rules report, are not subject to amendment, and shall be debatable for 10 minutes each, equally divided between a proponent and an opponent. All points of order against the amendments are waived. To provide for speedy and orderly consideration of the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may postpone and reduce votes to 5 minutes as long as the first vote in any series is 15 minutes. Another opportunity to change the bill exists through a motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, there is more in the Legislative Branch appropriations bill than salaries and expenses for Members of Congress and their staff. The spending in this bill also serves the thousands of Americans who visit their Nation's Capitol each year to witness democracy in action. This bill provides the funding which preserves the Capitol building and the grounds of the Capitol for enjoyment of all our Nation's visitors. And it is this legislation that supports the hard work and dedication of our Capitol police force who keep our Capitol and the surrounding neighborhoods safe for visitors and residents alike. I am also pleased to report that through this appropriations bill, we will support the ongoing efforts to examine the art work in the Capitol with an eye to how it can better represent the contributions and accomplishments of American women throughout our Nation's history. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that this is a fair rule which the Committee on Rules reported by voice vote. The underlying bill is bipartisan and fiscally responsible. The subcommittee did an excellent job of allocating scarce resources while building upon the internal reforms we have adopted in recent years to improve congressional operations. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule as well as the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.