Richard B. Nugent: “The question before the House is, Should the House now consider H. Res. 590? While the resolution waives all points of…”

“The question before the House is, Should the House now consider H. Res. 590? While the resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, the committee is not aware of any point of order. The Congressional Budget Office has stated that, while the two underlying bills contained in the rule would impose intergovernmental and private sector mandates as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, the mandates would fall well below the threshold in that act. That said, I know my friend is using this point of order to debate a very important issue that he cares passionately about. I am glad he has had the opportunity to bring it forward because we tend to agree on a lot of what he has said, and he knows that. We have talked on numerous occasions. But in order to allow this House to continue its scheduled business of the day, I urge our Members to vote ``yes'' on the question of consideration of the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have left? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Massachusetts has 2\3/4\ minutes remaining. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want my colleagues to understand one thing. The amendment that we are talking about is germane.…”