WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. expressed his concern that the Congress is shirking its responsibility to pass legislation that assists ordinary Americans.  Instead of acting on the multitude of problems facing this country, today the House of Representatives used an entire legislative day to consider horse slaughter legislation.  His statement follows: 

“This week the Census Bureau released a report showing that for the first time since 1998, the number of uninsured children increased,” said Conyers.  “Of the 8.3 million children without health insurance, minority children constitute a disproportionate share.  The latest census figures also show that a record 46.6 Americans lack health insurance.  With crucial issues facing the country such as the health care crisis, a broken immigration system, shortfalls in homeland security, and a stagnant minimum wage, I am baffled that the Republican leadership would spend precious time on horse slaughter legislation.

I do not want to minimize the importance of banning inhumane slaughter of horses for purposes of human consumption overseas.  In fact, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and support clean passage of that legislation.  However, it is distressing that with only approximately 15 legislative days before the election, Republicans are ignoring the priorities of the American people. 

I am troubled that the 109th Congress will be remembered in history as a “do-nothing” Congress.  According to the Library of Congress, the House of Representatives in 2006 is on track to be in session for the fewest number of days since 1948.  When the Congress has been in session, Republicans have pushed divisive and unproductive legislation such as constitutional amendments banning gay marriage and flag burning.

The time is long overdue to address the people’s business.  Several months ago, both the House and Senate passed immigration and boarder security bills.  Instead of working out an agreement on illegal immigration, Republicans scheduled new field hearings in swing districts.  With more talk and less action, the Republican- led Congress and White House have failed to gain control over the border.  They have failed to conduct workplace enforcement of immigration laws and have thus failed to protect American workers from declining low wages. 

Republican inaction on homeland security is even more disconcerting.  The bipartisan 9/11 Commission has given this Administration and the rubberstamp Republican congressional leaders poor grades for failing to implement the Commission’s recommendations.   We must take immediate steps to secure our borders, strengthen security around sensitive infrastructure, and give our first responders the necessary resources to protect the country.  

Republican leadership has failed to improve the American people’s economic security.  As CEO compensation has soared, real family income is down since 2001.  Since 1997, Republicans have repeatedly rejected a minimum wage increase for 6.6 million of the hardest working Americans.  We must provide a livable wage so families can afford to make ends meet.

With the American people paying our salaries, we in the Congress have a duty to solve their problems.  It is about time the Republican-led Congress earned its paycheck.”

###9-7-2006###