Mr. Chairman, we've had a vigorous debate over some amendments that were accepted, others that we thought were unwise. Frankly, this one, Mr. Chairman, we believe would simply gut the entire bill. You know, Mr. Chairman, you cannot sue…

Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fincher). {time} 1710

Mr. Chairman, again, when we add in those who want full-time work and yet have part-time work, those who have given up and have left the labor force, those who have been unemployed for weeks and months on end, we know that the true…

Yes, the gentlelady was very perceptive in her hearing. I was contemplating the answers that the gentlelady gave. At this time, I do not intend to oppose the amendment.

I have one other question for the gentlelady. On the 3-year period, I'm just curious as to the thought or purpose behind that particular selection of a 3-year period. I'd be once again be happy to yield to my friend, the gentlelady from…

I'm inquiring as to the perceived deficiency in the underlying bill that you seek to address with your amendment, and I would be happy to yield to my friend from Texas.

I'm not, frankly, certain I'm in opposition to the gentlelady's amendment, and I appreciate her bringing it to the floor. If she would yield for a question, I'm just trying to understand the purpose of her amendment, and what is the…

I claim time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes.

If the time of the gentleman from Connecticut has expired, in that case, Mr. Chairman, I will yield the remainder of the time to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fincher).

I continue to reserve the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Texas has 2 minutes remaining. The gentleman from Connecticut's time has expired.