Daniel Inouye: “While waiting for the managers of the bill, I would like to make a few observations. This amendment has 57 separate…”

“While waiting for the managers of the bill, I would like to make a few observations. This amendment has 57 separate proposals. I would assure the author that there may be some that are extremely worthy, but there are several among the 57 that could cause much heartache for many of us here. First of all, there is a proposal in the amendment that was earmarked to finance the 100,000 new police officers that we hope to place on our streets, highways, and byways as part of the crime bill. If that proposal is adopted, then we will have to find additional funds if we are to carry out the Senate mandate. Second, throughout this Nation we have been spending much time debating the health program. There are 3 proposals among the 57 which, if adopted, would mean that the health program may not be appropriately financed because these 3 items would have picked up part of the tab. Third, there is an item in there on environmental cleanup by the Defense Department. This is an essential part of base closures. All of us have supported base closures as part of the military drawdown program. But before we can implement the program, these bases must be cleaned up before they can be sold or transferred. But if this amendment or proposal passes, we will not be able to do that. There is another small item in the amendment that denies those men and women who voluntarily separate themselves from military service from receiving unemployment compensation.”