William C. Baker: “like many of my colleagues today, I am proud of what the Republicans have done already under the banner of the Contract…”

“like many of my colleagues today, I am proud of what the Republicans have done already under the banner of the Contract With America. We have made true fiscal responsibility in Congress the hallmark of our legislative plan. And at the very heart of this plan, we have placed the one tool that is absolutely essential to restoring accountability--the balanced budget amendment. For too long, Congress denied its responsibility by using tax increases to cover up its own lack of political will to make tough budgetary decisions. Limiting the ability of Congress to raise taxes will force Congress to set real budget priorities. If there is one thing 40 years of Democrat rule should have taught us, it is that their party consistently lacks the will to make the tough decisions. Yet we cannot trust that fiscal conservatives will always run the House of Representatives. To safeguard our children from a return to the profligate ways of our congressional past, we must enact a budget balancing tool with teeth. I urge this House to support the Barton amendment that will forbid increases without both parties participating. Vote for the 60-percent rule.”