Currently the stockpile is critically deficient in Jamaican-type bauxite, with an inventory 12 million tons below requirements.

The practice of loading the budget with unnecessary spending—and then waiting until after the eleventh hour to pass a Continuing Resolution on the assumption that it was safe from a Presidential veto—has gone on much too long.

Of course, we now must come back and do the work all over again in the Congress on a bill that can be signed.

I don't think the people should take less than that.

I can give assurance that social security and most other benefit checks will be paid on schedule.

I think it's time to choose a different road and to bring spending relief and tax relief for our overburdened citizens.

I have chosen the latter.

But I'm glad for this extension so that no one's holidays were disrupted.

This represents neither fair compromise nor responsible budget policy.

By refusing to make even this small saving to protect the American people against over-spending, the Congress has paved the way for higher interest rates and inflation.

I would have called, not only just being late now, but, earlier, but I had a little problem there.

I must urge the Congress to act promptly and responsibly.