Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1993 03:20:43 -0400 (EDT) From: Larry <[l j k] at [access.digex.net]> Subject: Congressional Report A Congressional Report September 7, 1992 Issue 7 HOUSE SCHEDULE (Week of 9/6) Mon -- Not in Session Tue -- Not in Session Wed -- Consideration of: HR 2401 -- Department of Defense Authorization Act for FY'94 Thu -- Consideration of: HR 2401 -- Department of Defense Authorization Act for FY'94 Motion to go to Conference on: HR 2492 -- District of Columbia Appropriations for FY'94 HR 2403 -- Treasury & Postal Service Appropriations for FY'94 Possible Consideration of: HR 1340 -- Resolution Trust Corporation Completion Act Fri -- No legislative business scheduled SENATE SCHEDULE (Week of 9/6) Mon -- Not in Session Tue -- Consideration of: S 1298 -- Department of Defense Authorization Act for FY'94 Executive Nomination of Jocelyn Elders for Surgeon General Wed -- Consideration of: S 1298 -- Department of Defense Authorization Act for FY'94 Conference Report on S.919, the National Service Act Thu & Fri -- Possible Consideration of: HR 2403 -- Treasury & Postal Service Appropriations for FY'94 HR 2667 -- Emergency Supplemental Appropriations ELDERS CONFIRMED AS SURGEON GENERAL By a vote of 65-34, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Joycelyn Elders for Surgeon General. The nomination was opposed by conservatives because of Elders' outspoken advocacy of sex-education, condom-distribution in schools, and abortion. Elders angered Catholic and Baptist leaders with comments she made about their denominations. The church leaders considered her remarks "bigoted". HALPERIN NOMINATION HEADED FOR TROUBLE Morton Halperin, who has been nominated by President Clinton to be Assistant Secretary for Democracy and Peacekeeping at the Pentagon, is being severely criticized by pro-defense and conservative groups who feel the nominee is too liberal for the position. According to the Washington Times (9/7), conservatives have been publicizing Halperin's background, "such as his past support for abolishing the CIA's covert action and espionage branches, and his defense of Philip Agee, a CIA defector who went to work with Cuban intelligence in exposing U.S. spy operations and personnel." But supporters of Halperin, who formerly served as director of the American Civil Liberties Union, have been fighting back by orchestrating a letter writing campaign on his behalf. The Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) will conduct the confirmation hearings. REINVENTING GOVERNMENT: GORE REPORT SEEKS TO CUT 252,000 FEDERAL JOBS AND SAVE $108 BILLION OVER FIVE YEARS. Vice President Al Gore's plan to overhaul the federal government, if implemented, would dramatically change the way the federal bureaucracy works. In addition to cutting the federal workforce by 12% (reducing the Civil Service to its lowest level in 27 years), the plan calls for moving to a biannual budget, rewriting the 4,500 pages of federal procurement rules, and eliminating 50% of the regulations used internally by federal agencies. Although resistance to Gore's plan is expected to be heavy from some quarters (i.e. Congress doesn't want to lose power by moving to a two year budget; the federal employee unions are opposed to such a major cut in personnel), many observers believe that it will improve Clinton's image among centrist voters. NAFTA SPLITS DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE The upcoming battle over the North American Free Trade Agreement has split the top ranks of the Democratic leadership in the House more deeply than anyone can seem to remember. According to the Washington Post (9/5), "The Democratic leadership, which guides the House majority, is so fractured that its 10 members cannot even discuss the trade pact among themselves." So far, the top leadership has split about evenly on the pact, with five members opposing it, four supporting it, and one undecided. The most visible opponent, Majority Whip David Bonior (D-MI), is joined by Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), and Chief Deputy Whips Butler Derrick (D-SC), Barbara Kennelly (D-CT) and John Lewis (D-GA). However, Gephardt has muted his criticism in recent days (probably at the urging of Clinton) and is not expected to actively campaign against NAFTA. Kennelly is not expected to actively oppose the trade pact either. On the other side of divide, House Speaker Tom Foley is supporting NAFTA, along with Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus Vic Fazio (D-CA), Chairman of the Democratic Study Group Mike Synar (D-OK), and Chief Deputy Whip Bill Richardson (D-NM). Although Foley's support has been lukewarm up until know, some are predicting that he will take a more active role in supporting the treaty soon. Nonetheless, Foley has already dealt a blow to the pro-NAFTA by refusing to declare an official leadership position on the issue. According to Roll Call (9/6) "Foley's decision not to use the Speakership to twist the screws on undecided members has created the current free-for-all on NAFTA." In place of Foley, Chief Deputy Whip Richardson is emerging as the primary leadership advocate for NAFTA. He and Rep. Bob Matsui (D-CA) have been meeting regularly to discuss strategy and line up votes. They will be joined by the White House's Capitol Hill lobbying operation, headed by Howard Paster. The only undecided member of the Democratic leadership is Democratic Caucus Chairman Steny Hoyer (D-MD). An aide said he would make up his mind soon. GOOD NEWS FOR LAUTENBERG AND KENNEDY Two vulnerable Democratic senators have less to worry about this week when it became apparent that several potential Republican challengers would not take on the incumbents. Former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean (R) announced that he would not challenge Senator Frank Lautenberg (D) in 1994. (Dick Zimmer and Marge Roukema, both U.S. Representatives, are still interested in the race.) Additionally, the state director of the Massachussets GOP said he thought Andrew Card, Secretary of Transportation under Bush, would take a pass on challenging Sen. Ted Kennedy in 1994. Massachusetts Governor William Weld has already stated he would not challenge Kennedy. *************************************************************** ** There is no charge for this publication. However, if you ** ** find it useful and would like to help defray the cost of ** ** of publication (more than you would think!) you can send ** ** a check to: Congressional Reports, P.O. Box 71054, ** ** Washington D.C. 20024-1054. ** ** ** ** If you would like to reproduce or repost this document ** ** please e-mail me. In general, I have no problem with ** ** reproduction or reposting as long as the document is not ** ** altered, but I do like to know what it's being used for. ** ***************************************************************