Daniel Akaka: “I wish to speak about the meaning of ``by request'' legislation and more specifically about my continuation of a…”

“I wish to speak about the meaning of ``by request'' legislation and more specifically about my continuation of a longstanding practice in the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the chairman introducing legislation at the request of the administration. While I expect that those who deal regularly with the Veterans' Affairs Committee, such as the established veterans service organizations, understand the meaning of a bill introduced ``by request,'' I have recently become aware that there are some veterans who are unfamiliar with this practice and who, therefore, have misinterpreted my recent introduction of certain ``by request'' legislation as support for the passage of the bills into law. This is not the case. As our colleagues know, periodically the administration sends forward to the Congress legislation for consideration. Those measures that fall within the jurisdiction of the Veterans' Affairs Committee are referred by the Parliamentarian to our committee. In a tradition that began in the earliest days of the committee, the chairman, as a courtesy to the administration, introduces such bills on a ``by request'' basis. This is a courtesy that has generally been extended to every administration and by every chairman, regardless of the party affiliation of the administration or chairman, and one that I am pleased to continue. When I introduce legislation ``by request,'' I am taking no position on the legislation.”