Eye on Congress

What is good for the goose is not always good for the gander

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 passed the House of Representatives June 24. The legislation calls for grants to help small businesses develop a drug-free workplace programs, such as instituting drug testing and employee training. "This bill is a part of a measured federal response to . . . the growing problem of substance abuse in our society, and a move toward a drug-free America," stated Rep. Rob Portman (R-OH), the sponsor of the bill.

Six weeks later to the day, Republican leaders quashed legislation that would have required drug testing of House members and their staffs. House leaders complained that the measure is unnecessary and insulting.

Immunity Amendment

The House voted 256-162 against giving parents and their children immunity from testifying against one another in a federal case. The move was inspired in part by independent counsel Kenneth Starr's subpoena of former White House intern Monica Lewinsky's mother in the probe of whether President Clinton lied about a purported sexual liaison with Lewinsky.