THE HOUSE

Funding the Arts

By a vote of 175 to 249, the House rejected a conservative-sponsored crackdown on National Endowment for the Arts funding of sexually explicit artworks. The House later passed legislation (HR 4825) authorizing $175 million in fiscal 1991 for the endowment. The bill increased federal scrutiny of artists receiving public money but left questions of obscenity to the courts.

The rejected amendment sought, in part, to deny funding of projects that depict sexual conduct such as masturbation and sadomasochistic abuse or that tear down a religion.

Sponsor Dana Rohrabacher (R-Long Beach) said: “When it comes to federal tax dollars, we have a right to set a standard. . . . “

Opponent Peter H. Kostmayer (D-Pa.) said: “This amendment is brought to you by the book burners in the country and in the Congress.”

A yes vote was to keep taxpayers’ money from funding sexually explicit art.

How They Voted Rep. Anderson (D): Nay Rep. Dornan (R): Yea Rep. Dymally (D): Nay Rep. Rohrabacher (R): Yea To Uphold Textile Veto

By a vote of 275 to 152, the House fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to overturn President Bush’s veto of a bill limiting the growth of textile and apparel imports to 1% annually. The measure (HR 4328) also sought to freeze non-rubber footwear imports at 1989 levels. Canada and Israel would be exempted from the bill. Supporters said the bill would protect jobs and factories against unfair foreign competition, while opponents said it would mask industry inefficiencies and raise retail prices.

A yes vote was to protect the domestic textile, apparel and non-rubber footwear industries.

How They Voted Rep. Anderson (D): Nay Rep. Dornan (R): Yea Rep. Dymally (D): Yea Rep. Rohrabacher (R): Nay