Political Quotes

“I believe it is improved over the Simon amendment. This amendment would protect Social Security. I do not believe that the trust fund should be used to balance the budget. It would allow the creation of a capital budget, just as many cities and States do now. It would allow flexibility in time of recession. And it would keep the courts from mandating actions that are legislative prerogatives. These changes make this amendment a much more workable balanced budget amendment. There are many in this body who believe that amending the Constitution is very strong medicine, perhaps too strong. I have listened very carefully to those arguments. But I have come to the conclusion that without the strong medicine the patient is not going to heal. People have said to me: You come from California and you supported an amendment for earthquake disaster relief that was off budget. Yes, I did. Disaster relief for floods was off budget. Disaster relief for Hurricane Iniki was off budget. Disaster relief for Hurricane Andrew was off budget. So why should California be treated any differently? That is why we need an amendment to make everyone play by the same rules. I think this is the heart of the matter.”