[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 112 (Monday, July 25, 2011)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1398-E1399] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. EARL BLUMENAUER of oregon in the house of representatives Monday, July 25, 2011 Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, due to the celebration of my daughter's wedding, I was unable to be in Washington, DC for votes during the week of July 18. Had I been present for the votes that week, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 602: I would have voted in favor of H.R. 33, legislation amending the Securities Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities issued in connection with church plans are treated as exempted securities for purposes of that Act. Rollcall vote 606: I would have voted against H.R. 2560, legislation submitting a constitutional amendment to the States that would irresponsibly limited the government's ability to respond to wars, disasters, or other challenges as well as changing Congressional voting procedures that would end majority rule. Rollcall vote 611: I would have voted against H.R. 2553, legislation that, while extending the operations of the Federal Aviation Authority, would undermine labor relations. Rollcall vote 621: I would have voted against H.R. 1315, legislation undermining consumer protections implemented as part of the Dodd-Frank Act. Rollcall vote 629: I would have voted against H.R. 2551, ideologically driven legislation that cuts funding for House and joint operations by $227 million (6.4 percent) from FY11 enacted levels, which is $472 million (12.4 percent) below the requested amount. These cuts risk possible layoffs and pay-cuts for legislative branch staff, which will damage Congress' ability to fulfill its Constitutional duties and responsibilities to the public. For example, the Library of Congress, which is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and provides critical resources to Members of Congress, was severely cut to 13.7 percent below the request. I was also dismayed by the cuts to related agencies such as Congressional Research Service, Government Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office, which provide crucial assistance and oversight to Congress. These cuts will make the Legislative Branch less effective, not more efficient. [[Page E1399]] ____________________