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Floor Speech
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Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I have discussed the matter which Senator Lee brings to the floor for consideration, and I thank him for accommodating me by allowing me to object at the beginning rather than at the end of his remarks. And I will say that it relates to a commemorative resolution which he wanted to offer. I came to learn as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that we have rules and standards by which we allow these commemorative resolutions to be considered.
I have given Senator Lee a copy of that policy--the committee policy--and I would like to ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to have it printed in the Record at this point.
1. The measure must be bipartisan. At least one Republican and one Democrat must support the measure.
A. If the measure is specific to a particular state, the bipartisan requirement may be waived--provided that both home state Senators support the measure.
2. No measure may commemorate:
A. A commercial enterprise, industry, specific product, or fraternal, political business, labor or sectarian organization;
B. A particular state or any political subdivision thereof, city, town, county, school or institution of higher learning, except for the purpose of recognizing a significant anniversary or achievement; or
C. A living person.
3. Committee policy and committee jurisdiction will not ordinarily be waived.
4. Committee policy will provide for an annual commemoration, in each of two years, provided:
A. Such proposal is introduced during the first session of a congress;
B. A substantially similar proposal has been passed by the Senate with respect to each of the four years immediately preceding the first year of the proposed commemoration;
C. The commemorative periods proposed would occur during the Congress in which the resolution is introduced.
5. No measure may direct or otherwise request or encourage the President of the United States to take action with respect to the holiday or commemoration.
6. Written committee reports will not be filed regarding this type of legislation.
7. The committee will not consider requests to waive any of the above requirements unless two-thirds of the members indicate a desire to do so.
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Mr. DURBIN. Let me say further, he, as I understand it, is going to be trying to offer, despite my objection, a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Heritage Foundation.
The fact that I am applying the Committee Rules is no reflection on that organization whatsoever. But I do want to make it clear that under those rules, I have to object at this point.
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