Jerry Lewis: “I rise to offer this very simple and straightforward motion to recommit. Included within Mr. Obey's emergency…”

“I rise to offer this very simple and straightforward motion to recommit. Included within Mr. Obey's emergency supplemental proposal is legislative language that requires the President to report by July 13 on the specific progress the Iraqi Government has made in meeting 16 specific goals. Once this report is received, only the chairman of the Appropriations Committee can introduce a joint resolution of approval to release any additional funds to our troops in Iraq. The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is not required to introduce the joint resolution of approval, and no other Member can do it. The authority that this gives the chairman of the committee to introduce or not introduce legislation is unprecedented. Further, in an almost unprecedented move, this supplemental includes the rule under which the joint resolution will be brought to the floor. And under this rule, the only amendment made in order is one that mandates the withdrawal of troops from Iraq within 6 months. Mr. Speaker, this legislative language sets dangerous precedents that should be of great concern to Members on both sides of the aisle. My motion to recommit strikes this legislative language in section 1331, the so-called fence language, limiting the availability of funds for our troops.”