[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E603] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, unfortunately on Friday March 6, 2009, I was unable to cast my votes on Approving the Journal, the Motion to Recommit on H.J. Res. 38, and H.J. Res. 38 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 107, on Approving the Journal, I would have voted ``aye''. Had I been present for rollcall No. 108, on the Motion to Recommit on H.J. Res. 38, the Continuing Resolution, extending it through the end of Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``aye''. Had I been present for rollcall No. 109, on passing H.J. Res. 38, the Continuing Resolution through March 11, 2009, I would have voted ``nay''. It is high time we buckled down and got our work done in a timely fashion and in an open and transparent process. This Omnibus Appropriations bill is long overdue, but at the same time we should not be throwing a bill on the House floor that has been cobbled together by a select few Democrats behind closed doors. The result is what we witnessed in the Senate where it could not pass by the time the current CR expired and the need arose to pass another short term CR through March 11, 2009. This process needs reform and it is my hope that the FY2010 Appropriations process will move under regular order and by the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2009. ____________________