The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PERSONAL EXPLANATION” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E676 on May 9, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
______
HON. MAJOR R. OWENS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 9, 2000
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Yesterday I was unavoidably absent on a matter of critical importance and missed the following votes:
On H.R. 3577, increased authorization for north side pumping division of the Minidoka reclamation project, introduced by the gentleman from Idaho, Mr. Simpson, I would have voted ``yea.''
On H. Con. Res. 89 recognizing the Hermann Monument and Hermann Heights Park in New Ulm, Minnesota, as a national symbol of contributions of Americans of German heritage, introduced by the gentleman from Minnesota, Mr. Minge, I would have voted ``yea.''
On H. Con. Res. 296, expressing the sense of Congress regarding the necessity to expedite the settlement process for discrimination claims against the Department of Agriculture brought by African-American farmers, introduced by the gentleman from Arkansas, Mr. Dickey, I would have voted ``nay.''
____________________