On the recordJune 21, 1993
No, I think we're breaking that. I think if this economic program passes, it is fair, it is balanced, and it will bring an end to gridlock. But what I'm saying is it's been more than a decade since a President's budget was even taken seriously by Congress. Nobody ever wanted to talk truth about economics to the American people because the truth is that back in 1981 we cut taxes a bunch, and we increased spending a lot, and we went from a $1 trillion to a $4 trillion debt, and we permitted health care costs to soar out of control. We haven't done anything long-term about our economic health, and now we don't have the money we actually need to be spending on defense conversion, on education and training, on Head Start, on giving people incentives to revitalize our cities. But if you want to change, it's tough because it means we all have to give up a little something now to get something tomorrow. What we're getting is lower interest rates, more investment, and an economy that will really produce jobs. But to do it we've got to break a mentality of ``what's in it for me today.'' But I think we're on the way to doing that. I think the era of gridlock and greed is fading into the distance, and I'll be surprised if we don't adopt the economic program and a lot of other things that need to be done around this town like political reform, lobbying reform, campaign finance reform, national service. I think we'll get health care reform. I'm hopeful. I'm very optimistic. But I want the people to understand clearly that these things don't happen overnight. District of Columbia Statehood Mr. Levey. Sir, speaking of things that need to get done, let's talk for a minute about statehood in the District of Columbia, which you greatly favored and strongly swore that you would lobby for once you got into office. And I have not heard word one from you or from your office about that since you took over. Is this still on your list? And, if so, how high?
Source
govinfo.gov
