[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E877] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. ROBERT T. SCHILLING of illinois in the house of representatives Friday, May 18, 2012 Mr. SCHILLING. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, May 17, 2012, during a rapid succession of two-minute votes, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Number 265. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the Connolly Amendment No. 6 to H.R. 4310, which passed, by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 412 1. I believe that our allies should keep their commitments, and Pakistan is no different. Pakistan has been allowing terrorists to hide out within their borders and has not been meeting the certifications put in place by U.S. aid agreements to receive funds through the Department of Defense. In fact, Pakistan has not received Department of Defense funding since June 2010. This continued disregard for our mutual agreements is disconcerting and the U.S. needs to show Pakistan that we do not take our commitments lightly. The Connolly Amendment ensures that Pakistan will follow through with its commitments and will force them to reconsider closing their borders. We must encourage them to maintain open Ground Lines of Communication and allow the transportation of NATO supplies. Again, had I not been delayed, I would have voted in support of Connolly Amendment No. 6 to H.R. 4310.