FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2002

LARSON EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT AT SPEAKER HASTERT'S FAILURE TO ALLOW COLTSVILLE BILL TO REACH HOUSE FLOOR

HARTFORD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today expressed his disappointment following the House Republican Leadership's refusal to allow non-controversial legislation, including the Coltsville Study Act, to be taken up under unanimous consent by the House today during a "pro forma" session of the House. Larson had urged House Speaker Dennis Hastert to allow this and other non-controversial legislation sponsored by members of both parties to be passed by unanimous consent during the session this afternoon before the House officially adjourns the 107th Congress. Ultimately, however, only a single bill making technical changes to the Homeland Security Act was allowed to the floor.

Larson stated: "I am disappointed that the Republican Leadership in the House has failed to take action this afternoon on the Coltsville bill, or any other of the many pending bipartisan and non-controversial initiatives this afternoon. The House had the opportunity to follow the Senate's lead in passing the Coltsville bill by unanimous consent before the closing of the 107th Congress, but the Republican Leadership has failed to act. Although disappointed by their decision, passage in the Senate is a very positive step, and having had a favorable Committee hearing and now having gained the support of the National Park Service, I am anxious to reintroduce the legislation as soon as the 108th Congress convenes in January to keep the momentum of this project moving forward until we can secure its passage."

Larson is the sponsor of the House version of the legislation, which calls for the Interior Department to conduct a feasibility study of the Coltsville section of Hartford for possible inclusion in the National Park System.

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