Bobby Rush

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote Nos. 834, 835, 836, 837, 845, 847, and 848, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.'' I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the permanent Record immediately following the above rollcall votes.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this measure. Without a doubt, our military preparedness is of great importance. This bill will most certainly ensure such. However, this bill goes beyond ensuring our military might--this bill is nothing more than billions of dollars' worth of silver spoons for defense contractors. I wish the Republican majority felt that providing for our elderly, poor, and children was at least as important as providing for the profit margins of defense contractors. With telling irony, this legislation guarantees our military strength while also establishing our leadership in insensitivity and lack of regard for individual rights. The limitations on abortions for military officers who serve overseas is an egregious assault on the personal liberties of those who risk their personal well-being to serve all of us. The callous proposal to discharge military personnel who have tested positive for HIV is unfair, if not amoral. What became of judging a person based upon his character and ability? It was not that long ago that this country experienced periods of civil unrest and strife in order that all people would be treated equally. Mr. Speaker, this provision is a step backward for a civilized society. As an American, I am appalled and I assure you, Mr. Speaker, the American people will not be fooled. I urge my colleagues to recommit this measure with the hope that we can consider an agreement that guarantees our military effectiveness, while also reflecting our national priorities, and protecting our ideals of personal liberty and fairness of treatment.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I am very, very proud today. Today is indeed a great day for myself, for the people in the city of Chicago, the people of the Second Congressional District. Today is a day that is great for all of America. We must take pause today, Mr. Speaker, to understand all that has gone on in regards to Jesse Jackson, Jr., being sworn in as a Member of Congress. I am absolutely so proud, and I am so appreciative of the work of the Jackson family. You see, Mr. Speaker, about 25-26 years ago I had to call upon Jesse Jackson, Sr. to save my very life. I called him when I was on the run, when police officers were out to kill me. Jesse Jackson did not hesitate to come to my assistance and to come to my aid. I have seen Jesse Jackson, Jr., from a toddler up until an adult, and I cannot think of any more qualities that God could have invested in a single individual than what he invested in Jesse Jackson, Jr. Mr. Speaker, this young man, as you saw a brief indication of today, has traveled the world, has been in the company of great individuals, individuals at the top of national governments, individuals who are, indeed, movers and shakers and history makers throughout the world. But the quality, the resounding quality that keeps coming forward in terms of Jesse Jackson, Jr., is not arrogance, is not a higher-than-thou or greater-than-thou or holier-than-thou. The common characteristic that comes through in terms of Jesse Jackson, Jr., is humility and humbleness and willingness to work in behalf of those individuals in this society who have no one to fight and to work for them. He is, indeed, a great person already at the age of 30, a remarkable man, a history maker. Simply because of the fact that he can walk with kings and yet and still he can also be very comfortable to walk and lead and participate and fight for the common man, Mr. Speaker, this House of Representatives will not be the same because we have a humble individual, an individual who knows greatness and knows that greatness evolves as a direct byproduct of working on behalf of common people.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for myself, the 2nd Congressional District of Chicago and all of America. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. has the resounding qualities of humility, honesty, a willingness to work in behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. He can walk proudly with kings and with the same ease walk humbly with the common man. I am proud and appreciative of the Jackson family. Many years ago, his father Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. stood beside me tirelessly during a time of my own personal tribulation. The son of a man who so gallantly stood by me can be nothing less than a warrior and a man of impeccable spirit. Greatness is a by-product of working with the disenfranchised. One who has worked and fought so diligently for the less fortunate will naturally develop a sense of compassion, commitment, and integrity. Thus, I am certain that Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. will serve not only as a capable Representative but will also be a shining example of statesmanship. Without equivocation or hesitation, I give my whole-hearted welcome and praise to Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., who I am certain will serve the people of the 2d Congressional District of Illinois with passion, zeal, and integrity. Jesse, I look forward to working with you and beside you in representing the people of Illinois. May God continue to bless you.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise tonight to pay tribute to a great Chicagoan, a personal friend, and a good friend to many, Chicago radio personality Herbert Rogers Kent--``the Cool Gent''--on the occasion of his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame and on the celebration of his 50 years of dedicated entertainment and service to Chicago and the surrounding communities. Herb's many innovative and outstanding accomplishments include the development of varied fictional radio characters such as ``The Waahoo Man,'' ``the Grunchuns,'' ``the Gym Shoe Creeper,'' ``Rodney Roach,'' ``the Electric Crazy People,'' ``the ever cunning, Cadillac-driving Rudolph,'' and many others. Herb is also credited with coining the phrase ``Dusty Records''. Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, Herb was a fixture at virtually every high school hop in the city of Chicago. The popularity of these hops extended to colleges and universities throughout the State of Illinois. While at radio station WVON, Herb broadcast live from a different high school each Friday night. The records he played would race to the top of the charts. The Cool Gent's talents extend for beyond spinning LP's at clubs and radio stations. With his own unique flair, Herb has demonstrated a genuine commitment to his community by orchestrating a number of successful public service campaigns. Among these was the ``Stay in School Campaign.'' For 15 minutes each day in the 1960's, Herb would speak directly to his young listeners. ``If you don't stay in school,'' he told them, ``you're cutting your own throat.'' When Dr. Martin Luther King made what was to be his last appearance in Chicago, Herb Kent joined Stevie Wonder the master of ceremony at the event in Soldier's Field. Herb Kent ``The Cool Gent'' holds a special place in the small circle of this country's radio luminaries that include Wolfman Jack, Dick Clark, and Casey Kasem. Herb's latest honor follows a career filled with recognition for his good work from such esteemed organizations as the Chicago Urban League and the Midwest Radio Association. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Herb Kent for sharing his gift with all of us. I am pleased to enter these words of tribute and congratulations into the Record. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Maine [Mr. Baldacci].

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in utter amazement. The complete disregard of the interests of the American people by the Republican majority is appalling. Federal workers, the people who elected us, should not be sacrificed as pawns for the Republican agenda. The Republican majority is hell bent on achieving its ends no matter what the sacrifice is--including the livelihood of those who have chosen to serve this Nation. This is not about balancing the budget--it is about back room deals for special interests. Seniors, working families, students, and the poor have been silenced during this GOP budget process. If the Republicans are not willing to listen to ordinary Americans, then who do they listen to? Might it be big business and special interests? In case you have not figured it out by now--the shutdown of the U.S. Government is an indication of where the Republican majority's interests lie. It is quite telling that the Republican majority is willing to give a tax break to the wealthiest Americans, yet they are not willing to avert a Government shutdown that will hurt thousands of working class families. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle often assert that the people voted for change last November. However, I doubt this was the kind of change they had in mind.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, as an individual who has dedicated his life to fighting for a better understanding of and more harmonious relationships between all the people of the world, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic background, I was particularly wounded and shocked by the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin. I had the unique opportunity to meet with Yitzhak Rabin 3 months ago when I visited Israel for the first time. It was through this unique visit that I had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Rabin. In his presence, I was immediately put at ease by his earthy style and his folksy, one might even say, laid back demeanor. I recognized his straightforward approach and his direct response to questions posed to him. I recognized an extraordinarily courageous man whose nobility was not camouflaged nor bolstered by pretense, pomp, or circumstance. I was particularly impressed with the strength that he displayed on the question of Hebron. The success of the peace process was paramount to this warrior for peace. Yitzhak Rabin epitomized the phrase ``an ordinary man who accomplished extraordinary things.''

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall votes 733 and 734, I was unavoidably detained and was not here to vote. Mr. Speaker, had I been here to vote, I would have voted, ``aye'' on rollcall vote 733 and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 734.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the South Street Journal, a community based newspaper on Chicago's South Side, on the occasion of their second anniversary. The South Street Journal has always prided itself on social responsibility providing objective and insightful news while keeping in mind the welfare of the residents of the communities it services. It has built a strong foundation of not only disseminating information but also encouraging communities to become involved in the current events and politics that affect them. For 2 years, the South Street Journal has provided Chicago's South Side with an informative and relevant community newspaper that fosters open dialogue on current events and helps to strengthen community relations. They have helped register voters and have provided a voice to communities that are sometimes overlooked. South Side communities such as Washington Park, Hyde Park, Douglas, Oakland, Kenwood, Woodlawn, Fuller Park, Armour Square, Grand Boulevard, and the Gap have all seen the benefits the Journal has provided. Mr. Speaker, today I stand here to formally recognize the South Street Journal for their contribution to the South Side of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the United States of America. I am pleased to enter these words of commendation into the Record.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, on Tuesday, I spent a good part of my morning at La Rabida Children's Hospital on Chicago's South Side. Similar to many other children's hospitals across the Nation, over half the children cared for at this fine institution rely on Medicaid. I met many of these children on Tuesday. And I want to remind my colleges on the other side of the aisle that these children are not faceless statistics. They are human beings. Like 10-year-old Tyronne, who has been coming to La Rabida for the last 9 years of treatment of severe asthma, sickle cell anemia, and scoliosis (sko-lee-osis). When hospitals like La Rabida care for Tyronne, they do so at considerably greater cost than what it takes to care for adults. This is because of the wide array of equipment and supplies necessary to treat children of all ages and sizes. Children's hospitals cannot shift costs to adult patients or, like some other hospitals, to commercial payers. Mr. Speaker, children's hospitals are able to serve as an integral part of this Nation's approach to health care because of Federal funding provided to them via the Medicaid Program. And the Newt Gingrich Republicans want to ignore this fact by passing the responsibility for basic health care services for children to the States--a responsibility, that many States cannot or do not want to bear. The American people must take a long hard look at this so-called Gingrich Republican revolution, and see the wreckage left in its wake. The Gingrich Republican meat ax will cut deep. It will cut to the bone. It will cut to the marrow. It will cut the lifeline of many of our Nation's children. It will cut their access to basic health care. Basic health care for our children is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right. We must balance the budget, for our children, not on the backs of our children.

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, I would like to point out to the gentleman who just spoke that under this bill the State of Florida will lose $5.9 billion in health care for the elderly and the disabled. Most of this is coming from nursing home care which would have to be paid for by hard-working middle-class families.

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, this bill is destructive to the people of Florida. I would like to point out to the gentleman from Florida who just spoke, that Florida will lose $5.9 billion in health care for the elderly and the disabled. Most of this is nursing home care which would have to be paid for by their hard-working middle-class families.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the most egregious assault on the American people to date. Some of the missiles have already landed: $182 billion has been cut from Medicaid, $270 million has been cut from Medicare. Now that the enemy has pillaged these areas, they now seek to launch an all out offensive to achieve their ultimate victory--a tax cut for the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans. The great injustices of history have been committed in the name of unchecked and unbridled majority rule. The Framers of the Constitution warned us about the tyranny of the majority. Their fears have become reality. The safety net of America is being snatched from under them. Affordable housing programs within the RTC and FDIC have been terminated. Some $10 billion has been cut from student loans. The earned income tax credit will be reduced by 18 percent. Keep in mind, that individuals who receive EITC have an average income of $11,000. The Republican majority has turned its back on the American people. This measure is tantamount to thievery--the theft of the sanctity of the American people.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to address the most egregious assault on the American people by the Republican majority to date. It comes in the form of the budget reconciliation package. We have seen the missiles fired throughout the year. Medicaid has been cut by $182 billion. Medicare has been cut by $270 million. Ironically, the Republicans have proposed a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans at a cost of $245 billion. Now that the enemy has pillaged these areas, they now seek to launch an all out offensive on any and all areas that serve the needs of American people. The great injustices of history have been committed in the name of unchecked and unbridled majority rule. The Framers of the Constitution warned us about the tyranny of the majority. Their fears have become reality. This bill is tyranny in the truest sense. Programs which assist people in achieving some of the goals we relish as a society are under attack. Affordable housing programs within the RTC and FDIC have been terminated. Student loans have been cut by $10 billion. As the Republicans march along to achieve their ultimate victory--a tax cut for the wealthiest of Americans--the safety net for the rest of America is being pulled from under them. The earned income tax credit, which helps the poorest of Americans will be reduced by 18 percent. Keep in mind, that individuals who receive EITC have an average salary of $11,000. The Republican majority has turned its back on the people who chose them to represent their best interests. This measure is tantamount to thievery--the theft of the sanctity of the American people.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, it was bad enough that Republicans last year voted unanimously to reject legislation providing Americans with the health security that every other advanced Nation in the world provides to its citizens, leaving 41 million of our fellow citizens without health care. This year the Republicans want to cut $182 billion out of Medicaid with a big, big chunk of those savings coming from disproportionate share payments under that program. And now Republicans want to cut Medicare so that hospitals cannot keep their doors open. Mr. Chairman, let me ask the Republicans how on Earth they expect these hospitals to survive. On air? How do they think they will be able to continue to provide services to 41 million uninsured Americans if they cut off all sources of support for them. These hospitals are already in serious financial trouble before all of these additional costs even hit them. They have the lowest margins of revenue over costs of any type of hospital, a full 25 percent below the average. They have the highest number of hospitals of any type with overall negative margins. They have physical plants which average more than 25 years in asset age as compared to 7 years for other hospitals. Mr. Chairman, cutting these hospitals is the last place we should consider rather than the first place we should consider.

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, under the Gingrich Medicare plan, the hospitals in and around the district of the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Deal] will lose approximately $159 million over the next 7 years. Last week, in the Committee on Commerce, the Republicans delivered thousands of bogus letters. The seniors of my district and my State requested that I deliver a symbol of their true feelings regarding the Republican Medicare plan, a cut of pure grade bologna.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Conyers substitute. It is ironic [[Page H 10273]] that we are in the House of Representatives to consider a proposal that is the opposite of our concept of justice and fair play. The scales of justice must be balanced. Yet, this measure seeks to arbitrarily place a greater value on possession of crack cocaine over powdered cocaine. During this evening's dialog, I have heard many speaker's argue that crack cocaine is more devastating to our community than powder cocaine. To this I say--a rose by any other name still has thorns. The distinguished manager for the Republican majority has argued that this measure is color blind. I dare say, it is anything but that. Such an assertion is confounding in light of the fact that it is now common knowledge that one in three African-American males is in some way impacted by the judicial system. This fact alone makes it clear that African-Americans will be disproportionately affected. This is anything but color blindness. What is the motivation behind this measure? Is it to get tough on crime by locking them up and throwing away the key by any means necessary? Or, is there a conspiracy among the Republican majority to incarcerate as many African-American males as possible? This bill is nothing more than a narrow minded effort to ostracize those who already bear the brunt of the injustices within our judicial system. We must combat crime. We must make our streets safer for our families. However, this must not be done at the expense of individuals who some have an embedded fear, if not hate for. If in fact the Republican majority wants to establish a color blind society, as it professes, it is dishonesty, if not intellectual heresy, to introduce a bill such as this. This bill is blatantly biased, it is not based on sound legal rationale, and is direct in contradiction with our standards of justice.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I consider H.R. 2425 to be the latest and most blatant act of legislative terrorism aimed straight at our Nation's older Americans. Older Americans are being held captive by the Republican Medicare proposal. Mr. Speaker, when I say captive, I really mean captive. That was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt Wednesday morning when the chairman of the Commerce Committee had 13 senior citizens handcuffed and taken off to jail simply for trying to voice their concern about the Republican draconian cuts. Mr. Speaker, I will never forget the words of a 90-year-old senior citizen who, while being placed in a police paddy wagon, looked at me and said, ``If I had to do it all over again, I would.'' I ask my Republican colleagues, when will they cease waging generational guerrilla warfare against the elderly and the disabled in this Nation? I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to AJEA 2000, an organization in my district that has contributed greatly to the educational enrichment of the minds of our youths. AJEA 2000 is a network of four innercity Catholic schools in Chicago who raise funds to support tuition and other educational costs for financial disadvantaged children. These schools have worked successfully for decades within Chicago's neighborhoods to produce well educated young people who have become leaders in our city and beyond. The four participating schools, St. Ambrose, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Holy Angels, have one of the best records of student retention, graduation, and academic achievement in the city. By providing scholarships and other award grants to students, many otherwise disadvantaged children have the opportunity that every American deserves--and that is the opportunity for the best education possible. Mr. Speaker, please let the record show that I am proclaiming Saturday, October 7, 1995, ``AJEA 2000 Day'' in Chicago in honor of the more than 2,000 financially disadvantaged children they have helped. AJEA 2000's commitment to further the education and lives of young people is one that should be commended. It is an honor and a privilege to enter these words into the Record.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Wardell Newsome, Sr., member of the New Galilee M.B. Church under the pastorage of Rev. Charlie Murray in Chicago, IL. For decades Reverend Newsome has exemplified the dedication and commitment required to better our communities and the citizens who reside there. His work as both a social and a spiritual religious leader began at the early age of 13 when he was baptized at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Marvell, Arkansas. Later, when he came to Chicago, he accepted his call into the ministry and joined the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. O.C. Nicks. Reverend Newsome brought to the ministry and to the people of Chicago a compassion and dedication to service, empowerment, and spiritual awareness that still benefits us greatly to this day. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday Rev. Wardell Newsome, Sr. will be honored for the decades of service he has given to his ministries and to his community. Today, I would like to make sure that all he has contributed to this country and our communities is recognized, appreciated, and honored on the floor of this House. I am honored to enter these words of commendation into the Record.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the efforts of Chicago radio personality Doug Banks and WGCI AM and FM radio for their efforts in conducting the ``Beat the Heat'' program on July 22 to aid those residents in need of relief from the scorching summer heat. As many of you know, much of our country has been gripped in record breaking heat for the past 2 weeks. The Chicago area was hit the hardest two weekend's ago with the heat claiming at least 529 lives. Most of those who died as a result of the heat were the young and the elderly, many of whom could not afford to purchase fans or air- conditioners or who had no electricity. Last Saturday Doug Banks and WGCI radio in Chicago held a ``Beat the Heat'' campaign at Operation PUSH headquarters in my district to encourage businesses and citizens to donate fans and air-conditioners to be distributed to those residents who needed them most. Mr. Banks' efforts were of tremendous success in helping those who needed relief the most. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Banks, WGCI radio, Operation PUSH, and all the businesses and volunteers who made the selfless effort to help others beat the heat and in the process save lives. I am pleased to enter these words of commendation into the Record.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Mable Watkins-Cass, who on Sunday, June 30, 1995, will celebrate the occasion of her 60th birthday. Mrs. Cass is a longtime resident of the city of Chicago. Born in Holly Springs, MS to the union of Mr. Windom Jones and the late Mrs. Ann Speights-Anderson, she came to Chicago in her formulative years with her parents. Mrs. Cass is the proud mother of four children and the grandmother of five. Mrs. Cass attended the Chicago public schools where she graduated from the Lucy Flowers Vocational High School. Additionally, she worked dutifully as an employee of the public school system, until her retirement in 1982. A deeply devoted Christian woman, Mrs. Cass has served faithfully for the past 25 years as a member of the Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church on the southside of Chicago, under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Jethro Gayles and the Rev. Bishop Smith. She has also been an active member of the National Baptist Convention and the Illinois Baptist State Convention. Over the years, Mrs. Cass has been very active in civic and community affairs. Many of these activities include work with her block club organizations and the local electoral process. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Mable Watkins-Cass has dedicated her life to helping others. Her commitment and contributions to people have made her both, admired and respected. I am privileged that in my lifetime our paths have crossed. I am honored to call her a friend and I am proud to enter these words into the Record.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the voice of hundreds of senior citizens in the First Congressional District of Illinois and none of them wants cuts of any kind in their Medicare Program. These older Americans were angry. They were scared. And they are not going to stand for these draconian cuts. They know that the Republicans have committed themselves to squeezing $270 billion out of the Medicare budget over the next 7 years. The budget resolution sets out a gradual path of Medicare reductions, and most of the impact will not be felt until after November 1996, safely clearing the way for many Republicans up for reelection. So make no mistake about it. This is not about policy making. This is about politics--plain and simple. The seniors want a clear mandate delivered to the Republican Party. They want them to know that seniors are not old or forgetful. Seniors are not ``very pack-oriented and very susceptible to being led,'' as a leaked GOP strategy memo indicates. On the contrary, they will remember, a year from this November, who it was that slashed their Medicare Program and left them out in the cold to fend for themselves.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of community development banks which are left unfunded in this VA, HUD and Independent Agency appropriations bill. I have a long history with the creation of the Community Development Financial Institutions program. I want to commend my colleague from Massachusetts, Mr. Kennedy, and the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Lewis, who agreed to work toward a continued funding level for CDFI's during the House and Senate conference on appropriations. I am proud to support these types of community investment programs as I did during passage of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1993. I was pleased that November, to be a part of a comprehensive community development banking effort that can truly make a difference between stagnation and salvation for thousands of disinvested urban, rural and suburban communities across our Nation. CDFI programs do make a difference. They help increase the confidence of the residents, business owners and workers in targeted communities that their own fortunes and opportunities are on the rise. Equally as important is the need to convince outside investors that low-income communities merit their consideration as a solid investment for their money. Those who benefit from the CDFI fund will be left in the lurch without this program. Without this funding, many of the benefits for underserved people, such as minorities and women, would not be felt. Lack of access to capital is the No. 1 reason these individuals struggle. The fund will also target the working class and middle-income neighborhoods threatened by decline. Without the fund, traditionally underserved and middle-class communities will fall further behind. Currently, there are more than 300 CDFI's in 45 States that manage over $1 billion in capital. Many of these CDFI's specialize in small business start-up assistance, providing very small micro loans for low- income people seeking to become self-employed. This new approach is vital to creating economic opportunity. We need innovative long-term solution to help our communities survive. The CDFI's have a comprehensive strategy that will empower local communities and increase access to credit and investment capital, these are the seeds needed to grow an economically healthy nation. It is my hope that CDFI's will receive strong consideration for complete funding during the House and Senate conference on appropriations.

Mr. RUSH

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Chairman, because of my attendance at an engagement off the Hill today I was unavailable to cast my vote for rollcall Nos. 529 and 530. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on the Hobson substitute amendment, rollcall No. 529, and I would have voted ``nay'' on the Packard amendment, rollcall No. 530, to H.R. 2020, Treasury- Postal Service-General Government appropriations for fiscal year 1996.