[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 116 (Thursday, July 19, 2007)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1559] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page E1559]] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. AL GREEN of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 18, 2007 Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was visiting veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center with members of the Texas Congressional delegation. I was unavoidably delayed and missed the votes on H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (rollcall 633), and H. Res. 547, the resolution providing for consideration of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for FY 2008 (rollcall 634). Although H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (rollcall 633) passed by a vote of 314-97, and H. Res. 547, the resolution providing for consideration of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for FY 2008 (rollcall 634) passed by a vote of 232-178, I respectfully request the opportunity to record my position. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcalls 633 and 634. I would particularly like to express my strong support for H.R. 980, a bill I am proud to have cosponsored. The bill would establish minimum standards for state collective bargaining laws for police officers, firefighters and other public safety officers, including the right to join a union; the right to have their union recognized by their employer; the right to bargain collectively over hours, wages and terms and conditions of employment; a mediation or arbitration process for resolving an impasse in negotiations; and enforcement of contracts through state courts. This legislation would not affect a majority of states because their laws already meet or exceed the minimum standards. ____________________