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“ROLLCALL VOTES 457, 458, AND 459” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1885 on Sept. 29, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ROLLCALL VOTES 457, 458, AND 459
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HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND
of rhode island
in the house of representatives
Monday, September 29, 1997
Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, on September 26, 1997, I was unavoidably detained and was not, therefore, able to vote on rollcall votes 457, 458, and 459. Had I been able to vote, I would have voted ``yea'' 457 and ``nay'' on rollcall votes 458 and 459.
During that time, Secretary of Defense Cohen and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Douglas, were visiting my district to tour Electric Boat and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and to discuss current Defense appropriations and proposals that will affect national security.
Due to that visit, I missed votes on amendments concerning State Department appropriations. As we move to complete work on the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill, it is critical that we address concerns regarding the use of those funds by the State Department.
The Bartlett amendment, rollcall vote 458, would reduce payments made by the State Department to the United Nations, which is in the process of reforming itself; we should not take action that may prevent that reform.
I believe it is in our Nation's best interest to continue participation in the activities of the United Nations and we must do so in good faith, and that means making good on our financial obligations.
The Gilman amendment, rollcall vote 457, will withhold 2 percent of the State Department's salaries and expenses budget until the Department complies with the provisions of the 1996 terrorism bill. It is my hope that the Gilman amendment will encourage the Department to conform. We must ensure that the State Department is following the intent of the 1996 terrorism bill and designates foreign terrorists.
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