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October 2, 1997 H.R. 856 Is "Alive & Kicking" . . . Despite Rumors To The ContraryWashington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) today said "rumors swirling throughout Puerto Rico about the death of H.R. 856 are not only unsubstantiated - they're totally wrong." "I've received several reports today that some of my mischievous friends in one of Puerto Rico's political parties are spreading rumors that the House leadership has killed the Puerto Rico Political Status Act. Once again, my mischievous friends are totally incorrect - and they know it. "Speaker Gingrich and the House leadership have not killed H.R. 856. The House is currently devoted to passing a number of important appropriations bills which must be approved in order to keep the federal government operating. This is the immediate priority of the U.S. House of Representatives. "In addition, we are currently dealing with a number of delaying tactics on the House floor which have caused numerous delays in the consideration of the daily business of Congress. "It is my hope that we'll have H.R. 856 before the full U.S. House before the end of this year. We have widespread bipartisan support for this important bill. If time doesn't allow for it to be considered this calendar year because of the remaining appropriations bills which must be debated and the political delaying tactics not associated with H.R. 856, then I will continue to work with Speaker Gingrich and the leadership for a floor vote early next year. "I want to reassure the people of Puerto Rico that H.R. 856 is alive and well - in fact, it's as strong as ever. With 87 co-sponsors ranging from Speaker Gingrich to Democrat Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, this vital legislation has strong and widespread support throughout the U.S. House. "These are the facts - plain and simple." For more information, please check the House Committee on Resources Home Page at http://www.house.gov/resources/ ###
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