THE HOUSE

Paying for Troops in Japan

The House voted 370 to 53 to require Japan to pay the $5-billion annual cost of stationing 50,000 U. S. troops and dependents there. This occurred during debate on the fiscal 1991 defense budget (HR 4739). About 5,000 of the Americans would be withdrawn annually if Japan declined to start paying for them. U. S. troops are based in Japan to protect it as well as American regional interests.

Sponsor David E. Bonior (D-Mich.) complained that “American workers are paying to protect Japan while Japan closes its markets to us.”

Opponent David O’B. Martin (R-N.Y.) said the amendment sends Japan an appropriate message but “would be more detrimental to the United States.”

A yes vote was to require Japan to begin paying for the American troops it hosts.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Gallegly (R) x Rep. Lagomarsino (R) x

Troops in Korea

By a vote of 157 to 265, the House rejected an amendment to bring more troops home from South Korea than the White House wants returned as world tensions ease. The amendment to the 1991 defense bill (above) sought to reduce U. S. forces in South Korea from 43,000 to 30,000 in the next few years, contrasted with the 36,000 level sought by the Pentagon.

Sponsor Robert J. Mrazek (D-N.Y.) said his amendment “would save us $3 billion over the next five years without affecting our deterrence capability.”

Opponent Robert J. Lagomarsino (R-Ventura) said: “North Korea has done nothing really to . . . change its dictatorial policies to warrant us lowering our guard.”

A yes vote was to cap U. S. military strength in South Korea at 30,000.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Gallegly (R) x Rep. Lagomarsino (R) x

Student Loan Forgiveness

The House refused, 200 to 212, to kill student loan forgiveness for new borrowers who have joined the proposed “national service.” This occurred as the House sent to conference with the Senate a bill (HR 4330) establishing the volunteer corps, which would place youths in community jobs such as conservation and drug counseling.

The amendment sought to kill language canceling all interest and some principal on loans that volunteers receive after the bill becomes law.

Supporter Thomas E. Petri (R-Wis.) said Congress should not relinquish to a private official, such as a YMCA director, the power to forgive student loans.

Opponent Pat Williams (D-Mont.) said Peace Corps and Vista volunteers receive the same benefit, so “let’s extend it as part of these ‘thousand points of light’ to other young Americans.”

A yes vote was to eliminate loan forgiveness for national service volunteers.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Gallegly (R) x Rep. Lagomarsino (R) x