Washington, D.C. -
Editor
The Washington Post
1150 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20071
To the Editor:
Your weekly “For the Record” of July 31, 2003 mischaracterized a vote I cast on H.R. 2799, a bill appropriating federal funds for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State (“CJS”). Under the heading “TV Networks Issue,” you described my vote against H.R. 2799 as a vote in opposition to the effort to block new FCC rules that would raise from 35 percent to 45 percent the share of U.S. households that a single media company may reach with its television stations.
In fact, the vote you listed was NOT a vote on the FCC rules -- it was a vote on final passage of the entire bill funding three large federal agencies. As I made clear in the Congressional Record, I voted against the final bill because it directly threatens the jobs of hundreds of Maryland residents and programs important to the American people. This bill will cut the budget for NIST -- the National Institute of Standards and Technology -- by a staggering 35% from last year. Similar drastic budget cuts to NOAA – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -- will slash programs that protect our environment.
I strongly supported the part of the CJS bill to reverse portions of the FCC ruling. Indeed, I voted in favor of an amendment offered by Representative Hinchey that would have repealed even more of the FCC rules. I have also cosponsored three different bills to block the rules. But when it comes down to final passage of huge legislation like the CJS bill, I cannot vote “part yes/part no.” Nor can I pick and choose which sections I will support and which I will oppose. I can only vote yes or no. Given that the appropriations bill was passed by a wide margin, I thought it was important to make a statement in opposition to large cuts to important programs that affect my district and the American people.
I appreciate your giving me this opportunity to correct the record.
Sincerely,
CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
Member of Congress