EMERSON PRESIDES OVER DEBATE

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson said she wanted to "shout out loud" at times during debate in the House Thursday over the issue of partial-birth abortion.

Emerson presided over the debate, serving as speaker pro tem.

She is one of about 20 to 25 House Republicans who regularly preside over House sessions. She is the only woman who handles the duties.

"I am trying to encourage some of my other female colleagues to do it," said Emerson, who often presides over House sessions for four to six hours a week.

"I don't find it intimidating. Once you get used to it, it is extraordinarily fun and very educational," she said.

Emerson presided over House proceedings from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Cape Girardeau Republican said she asked to preside over the abortion debate. "I feel strongly about the issue and I wanted to make sure the debate was fair," she said.

Emerson said the House spent about two hours debating the bill to ban the late-term abortion procedure.

"It was emotional," said Emerson, who kept close tabs on the time allotted each House member to speak on the issue.

"I was very tight today on time," she said.

Emerson said she let both sides have their say.

The measure to ban the late-term abortion procedure passed the House 296-132, a veto-proof majority. Emerson voted with the majority.

The question is whether the Senate will approve a similar measure by a veto-proof majority.

The measure fell two votes short of the 67 needed in the Senate last year to override President Clinton's veto.

Clinton has twice vetoed such legislation in the past two years.

Emerson said she hopes this time Congress can override Clinton's veto.

An abortion opponent, Emerson said the abortion procedure is "hideous" and unnecessary.