Speech #980151970

A second example that the American people were all aware of is that this House of Representatives voted on the equal rights amendment toward the end of the last session. That was also brought to the House floor for a vote under an extraordinary procedure. put on what we call the Suspension Calendar. which means that any item brought up on the Suspension Calendar is limited to only 40 minutes of debate and is not subject to amendment. normally reserved for only noncontroversial items. but in this case the Democratic majority felt it was sufficiently important that we vote on the ERA so it was brought up under this extraordinary procedure. The only point I am making is that extraordinary procedures which are within the rules are used all the time to bring up items that are of importance to the Democratic majority. but when they do not want to bring items up such as the balanced budget constitutional amendment. the lineitem veto constitutional amendment. voluntary school prayer. bankruptcy reform. immigration reform. the Presidents crime package. or any of the other items that are opposed by the Democratic majority. then they do not say to the American people. "We are opposed to those things." Then they say. "Oh. well. we must abide by the rules. and for various reasons the rules will not allow us to bring this legislation to the floor for a vote." The American people do not understand why their agenda is not being acted upon. Their representatives do not have to be accountable for their action or inaction. and that is causing a cynicism and lack of confidence in this institution that the gentleman from Pennsylvania referred to earlier.