HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Short-Term Economic Stimulus for Jobs

The House passed President Clinton’s short-term economic stimulus, which provides $16.3 billion in new appropriations along with a $3 billion release from the Highway Trust Fund and$3.3 billion in new credit for small businesses.

Defined as emergency spending, the outlays will be added to this year’s deficit. The legislation is designed to create up to 1 million new jobs over the next two years, mostly construction jobs and summer employment for poor youths. It will also prime the economy with $4 billion in extended unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless.

Supporter Romano L. Mazzoli (D-Ky.) said the stimulus bill was inseparable from the remainder of Clinton’s economic recovery program.

Opponent Gerald B.H. Solomon (R-N.Y.) termed the “emergency” designation a “euphemism for spending more of money that we do not have budgeted.”

The vote was 235 for and 190 against. A yes vote was to pass the short-term stimulus bill.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Horn (R) x Rep. Tucker (D) x Rep. Waters (D) x

Pay-as-You-Go Emergency Spending

The House rejected a Republican bid to put most of the emergency spending in President Clinton’s economic stimulus package (above) on a pay-as-you-go basis, in keeping with the 1990 Budget Enforcement Act. Republicans sought revenue to offset new appropriations in the bill except the $4 billion for extended unemployment benefits.

Sponsor Joseph M. McDade (R-Pa.) said “if these programs are so important, I say let us find the offsets . . . to pay for them.”

Opponent Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said “there is an emergency” for Americans without jobs, health care and opportunities for their children.

The vote was 181 for and 244 against. A yes vote was to soften the impact of the short-term economic stimulus on the deficit.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Horn (R) x Rep. Tucker (D) x Rep. Waters (D) x

Consumer Safety Improvements

The House passed a bill to achieve better built bicycle helmets, warning labels on toys of possible choking hazards and a minimum diameter of 1.75 inches for balls made for small children. The bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to draft regulations to bring about the safety improvements.

Sponsor Cardiss Collins (D-Ill.) said the mandate from Capitol Hill is needed because the Consumer Product Safety Commission “is not living up to its mission to protect American consumers from hazardous products.”

No opponent spoke against the bill. The vote was 362 for and 38 against. A yes vote was to pass the bill.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Horn (R) x Rep. Tucker (D) x Rep. Waters (D) x

Source: Roll Call Report Syndicate