José E. Serrano: “I rise in decidedly unenthusiastic support for the conference report on H.R. 4328. This is nominally the Transportation…”

“I rise in decidedly unenthusiastic support for the conference report on H.R. 4328. This is nominally the Transportation appropriations bill for fiscal year 1999, but in reality it is a monstrous omnibus bill that encompasses eight unfinished appropriations bills, arguably more emergency spending than can be justified under the Budget Act, and numerous extraneous items, also the result of Committees failing to finish their work on time. This-- thing--is more than 4,000 pages long, nearly two feet tall, and nearly 40 pounds. Much of the conference agreement is the routine business of Congress that should have been done through the normal process and in a timely manner. Some of it represents bullets dodged--bad provisions from earlier versions of appropriations bills that have been removed or improved in the final negotiations. Some of it is Democratic victories on important programs, such as funding for the President's 100,000 teachers initiative, but the package also represents lost opportunities, including the President's school renovation and construction initiative. I will reluctantly vote for it, but I reserve the unfinished business of America for next year. From the 100,000 teachers initiative, I am happy that New York will receive nearly $105 million over 6 years, and that the Bronx, of which I represent the southern part, will receive $14.6 million.”