Haley Stevens: “In fiscal year 1978, which was really the calendar year 1977, Congress had a lapse from the 30th of September until the…”

“In fiscal year 1978, which was really the calendar year 1977, Congress had a lapse from the 30th of September until the 13th of October, the next lapse was from the 31st of October until the 9th of November, and the next one from the 30th of November through the 9th of December. In other words, Mr. President, in 1977, during the term of President Carter, there were three lapses, substantial lapses. In 1978, for fiscal year 1979, again there was a substantial lapse, from September 30 until October 18. As a matter of fact, lapses as we have indicated have been the rule rather than the exception. The difference is this year we have the great problem of the fact that the President has vetoed five bills, five appropriations bills, a continuing resolution, and the debt ceiling and has decided to put pressure on the Congress by sending people home. I find that very unfortunate, and I think it is harming a lot of people, people who do live from paycheck to paycheck, as Senator Dole has said, people who really need their income.”