Lateefah Simon: “if we had changed the language so it just says ``debt'' instead of…”

On the recordFebruary 6, 1995

if we had changed the language so it just says ``debt'' instead of ``publicly held debt,'' there would be questions about that. Our intent is clear. When my good friend--he is my good friend--from Michigan implies that we are not going to pay attention to this, the Senator from Michigan, the Senator from Maine, the Senator from Wyoming, and the Senator from Illinois stood over there right to the left of the Presiding Officer. We held up our right hands and we took only one oath--to uphold the Constitution. I do not think this body is going to ignore that. I think that is the real question. I am not suggesting that my colleague from Michigan is not sincere. But we can nit-pick. The principle is clear. The language, constitutional scholars have told us, is clear. I hope we move ahead and not get sidetracked on this. I yield the floor.

Said by

Lateefah Simon

California

Source

govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the importance of constitutional language in a legislative context.

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Lateefah Simon: “if we had changed the language so it just says ``debt'' instead of ``publicly held debt,'' there would be questions…”

Editor's note · Context