Dick Lugar: “As the Senate moves to a conference with the House of Representatives on the Federal Aviation Administration…”

“As the Senate moves to a conference with the House of Representatives on the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 1996, I am hopeful conferees will give thoughtful consideration to the provisions included in the manager's amendment adopted Tuesday evening. I noted with some concern that a number of provisions in this amendment were new to the bill, and in some cases, not germane to the purpose of the legislation. I hope my colleagues will share my interest in assuring that an appropriate check and balance is maintained as the 104th Congress continues its legislative work. While I support swift enactment of this important measure to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, I am concerned about a provision of the bill included with the manager's amendment amending the Johnson Act. In response to concerns about the rapid growth of legalized gambling in the United States in recent years, Congress recently approved legislation to create a 2-year National Gambling Impact Study Commission. This Commission will conduct a comprehensive review of the social and economic impact of legalized gambling on our Nation, and will provide a report to Congress, the President, Governors, and others, on this important issue. Until we know more about the effects of this recent national trend, I have reservations about changing a Federal law that could allow for further expansion of legalized gambling in the United States.”