which is why the nfib which had been at the table -- they opposed the deal back in 1993 with clinton, and fought very hard in the last year to be part of this discussion. they have been negotiating with democrats and the administration, but ultimately small business cannot afford it. a practical level the proposal has come for that will really help business be more competitive. very quickly let me say -- john made an important point a moment ago when he said there was not really a plan there yet. there are just a lot of ideas. this is where i think the democrats are missing the leadership of senator kennedy. if you were actively engaged in the process of believe there would be more coherence to the legislative package from the democrats. i do not think ted kennedy would have let a half-planned be sent to the congressional budget office for scoring which has given a public relations, a bad week on that issue. i usually disagree with ted kennedy's policies that have always admired his capacity to lead. this death is a bold but cannot do the kind of backroom discussions with centers that

information provided the national -- from the national federation of independent businesses known as nfib, their information about opposing, strongly opposing this bill. into the record. spro the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. sessions: at this time, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from new york, mr. lake. mr. lake: i thank the gentleman from texas for yielding and i rise to oppose the rule and legislation in consideration of h.r. 626. having run a business, i understand how important it is to look out for workers and be supportive, especially in these difficult economic times when families are making tough choices with regards to how they spend their money and their time. i believe this debate should be focused on whether we should be granting additional benefits when workers in areas like where i come from are struggling to hang on to their job. that's why i offered an amendment that says this would not take effect until the national employment rate is down to 4% and no state has an employment rate greater than 7%. i regret the house will not have the oppor