HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Committee Funding Resolution

The House voted 224 to 196 to approve the 1993 committee funding resolution (HR 107). The $52.3-million budget is down 5% from last year, but covers four fewer committees because special panels on narcotics, hunger, aging and children were abolished on April 1. The measure funds about half the cost of staff salaries and other expenses for 22 panels. Remaining committee costs are covered by the legislative branch appropriations bill.

Supporter Norman Y. Mineta (D-San Jose) said “trying to make a big deal out of cutting this resolution is like trying to lighten the load of an airliner by emptying the ashtrays.”

Opponent John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) said “the only reductions in this bill are as a result of the four select committees that were allowed to expire.”

A yes vote was to approve the resolution.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x

Committee Budget-Cutting Proposal Rejected

The House rejected a Republican bid to cut the $52.3-million committee budget (above) by 25% across the board and give Republicans a higher proportion of committee staff slots.

Supporter Jay C. Kim (R-Diamond Bar) called the committee funding level “an insult to the American taxpayer” that needs deeper cuts. Opponent Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) objected to “meat ax, mindless, across-the-board” cuts advocated by Republicans.

The vote was 171 for and 246 against. A yes vote was to reduce House committee funding by 25%.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x

Clinton’s Economic Program

The House gave its final approval of President Clinton’s five-year program (HR 64) to retool the U.S. economy. All but 12 Democrats supported him. Republicans unanimously opposed him.

The plan is for Congress to enact spending slowdowns, entitlement curbs and tax hikes to slow the growth of red ink by nearly $500 billion over five years. Still, the national debt would swell by 25% to more than $5 trillion in fiscal 1998. In annual terms, Clinton would reduce the $302 billion 1993 deficit he inherited to $193 billion in his fourth year as President.

Supporter Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the program will curb the deficit “and start putting Americans back to work as it frees up money for the things we need.”

Opponent Wally Herger (R-Rio Oso) said, “Let’s resoundingly reject this budget plan before it sends our economy into a massive recession.”

The vote was 240 for and 184 against. A yes vote supported the Clinton economic plan.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x

National Debt Ceiling Raised

The House passed a bill (HR 1430) raising the government’s borrowing authority from $4.145 trillion to $4.37 trillion. The $225-billion increase will carry the Treasury until Oct. 1, when it will give way to a higher debt ceiling included in President Clinton’s economic program (HR 64).

Supporter Dan Rostenkowski (D-Ill.) said, “We run the risk of the government shutting down” if the debt ceiling is not raised.

“Here we are again, waiting until the cover of night to once again vote to put the American people and our children deeper into debt,” opponent Rod Grams (R-Minn.) said.

The vote was 237 for and 177 against. A yes vote was for a $225-billion hike in the national debt ceiling.

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Beilenson (D) x Rep. Dixon (D) x Rep. Harman (D) x Rep. Waxman (D) x

Where to Reach Them

Anthony C. Beilenson, 24th District

21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1010, Woodland Hills 91364 (818) 999-1990

Julian C. Dixon, 32nd District

5100 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 208, Los Angeles 90056 (213) 678-5424

Jane Harman, 36th District

5200 W. Century Blvd., Suite 960, Los Angeles 90045 (310) 348-8220

Henry A. Waxman, 29th District

8425 W. 3rd St., Suite 400, Los Angeles 90048 (213) 651-1040

Source: Roll Call Report Syndicate