Norma Torres: “much ado has been made about the Republican Contract With America, especially the pie in the sky balanced budget…”

“much ado has been made about the Republican Contract With America, especially the pie in the sky balanced budget amendment. This publicity stunt demonstrates the mastery of soundbites by Republicans. But it is obvious that they are not masters of another area, and, that is, arithmetic. The contract just does not add up. When the Republicans led the minority party, they had noting to lose. They could proposes all sorts of empty, feel-good reforms because everybody knew they would not pass in this House. Even the great Houdini cannot cut taxes, increase defense spending, and balance the budget all at the same time. But now you have the responsibility, my friends, to lead as the new majority. The bottom line on the budget is not whether you support it but how do you achieve it. Mr. Speaker, President Clinton and the Democrats have worked hard to make the tough choices to cut the deficit and worked toward a balanced budget, all without a Republican vote. Let us govern with integrity, not with gimmicks and soundbites.”