Jack Brooks: “I believe a number are noncontroversial and can be dealt with rather quickly. Because I think that this body should be…”

“I believe a number are noncontroversial and can be dealt with rather quickly. Because I think that this body should be given the chance to vote on them, I am now offering these amendments as an en bloc amendment. My action is in no way meant to cut off debate on any of these important amendments. However, we do have many amendments to deal with, a whole bucket--I am told we may be on the floor for over 21 hours--and with this en bloc amendment, I am simply trying to move the process along. The en bloc amendment before us includes amendments from both Republicans and Democrats. It ranges widely--covering many different subject areas--from Mr. Porter's amendment requiring that the U.S. flag be flown at half staff on all Government buildings on Peace Officers Memorial Day to Congressman McCandless' amendment strengthening penalties against illegal use of a Congressional Medal of Honor; from Congresswoman Slaughter's amendment on a National Commission To Support Law Enforcement to Mr. Livingston's amendment requiring the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General to study the suitability of converting military installations into prison facilities.”