Political Quotes

“a sour note occurred this morning when the newspaper Roll Call indicated that consideration of the balanced budget amendment to the Constitution may not necessarily lead to a vote. I am deeply disappointed, to be very honest with my colleagues, at the prospect that a few Senators are hoping to gridlock this amendment. This, I believe, is a momentous issue, and the need for an amendment increases with every passing day and the growing of a monstrous Federal debt. To explore adequately all of the issues involved with a balanced budget amendment will require lengthy and appropriate floor debate. Amending the Constitution is a serious undertaking, and this legislation deserves full and adequate consideration. However, it also deserves fair consideration, and Senators deserve to vote on final passage. If a minority tries to bottle up a balanced budget amendment, it implies that they just do not trust the judgment of the American people. Polls have consistently shown that people are demanding this amendment by 4-to-1 and 5-to-1 margins. Obstruction of this amendment also implies mistrust in the democratic process and the will of the people as exercised through State legislatures that would be responsible for ratification of any amendment that we might send forth.”