Political Quotes

On the recordFebruary 23, 1994
last evening, as we began this important debate in relation to a balanced budget amendment to our Constitution, there was some suggestion that economic policy ought not be a part of our Constitution; that it was bad to place in the context of the Constitution economic principles or economic courses and directions that, in the argument of the opposition, did not fit or were not proper in the constitutional setting. For a few moments this morning, let me discuss that issue because I think it is very important that we understand that economic policy has always been a part of our Constitution and that, depending on your point of view and how you read the Constitution, our Founding Fathers were very, very specific in suggesting that economics was an important part of the consideration and, most importantly, rights and freedoms necessarily clarified in the Constitution. Governance inescapably involves addressing the question of economics. Moreover, our Constitution is replete with economic policy. For example, it refers to private property rights. Of course, in the days of our Founding Fathers, private property was the essence of economics. It was the foundation of wealth. It remains so today. It was spoken to in the Constitution.…
Said by
Larry Craig

Editor's note · Context

The speaker discusses the role of economic policy in the U.S. Constitution during a debate on a balanced budget amendment.

Share

More from Larry Craig

Feb 28, 2008

In that context, do you believe that the rules and regulations that are on the books today, as it relates to how animals are handled and how they're slaughtered, is adequate?

congress.gov
Sep 4, 2007

This thing could take a new turn or a new shape, has that potential.

transcripts.cnn.com
Oct 3, 2007

There are many challenges facing Idaho that I am currently involved in. And the people of Idaho deserve a senator who can devote 100 percent of his time and effort to the critical issues of our state and of our nation.

transcripts.cnn.com