JOHN LINDER: “Mr. Speaker, while it is tempting to debate the contents of the unfunded mandate bill at this time, this debate is…”

“Mr. Speaker, while it is tempting to debate the contents of the unfunded mandate bill at this time, this debate is actually on the rule. The debate we begin this morning shows that the new majority continues to keep its promises that we made to the American people. Two weeks ago we opened up the House and today we begin with free and open debate on H.R. 5, the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act and the rule attendant thereto. As a member of the Committee on Rules, I want to comment on two specific aspects of this bill affected by the committee. First I am pleased that every Member of the House has the opportunity to vote on a rule that we did not see very much of in recent years, an entirely open rule. ... As a result, title III of this bill institutes new House enforcement procedures to terminate the casual practice of passing these unfunded mandates.”