Joel Hefley: “it is time to take stock of the 105th Congress. Despite a slim majority in the House, a Senate that lacks the 60 votes…”

“it is time to take stock of the 105th Congress. Despite a slim majority in the House, a Senate that lacks the 60 votes necessary to break a filibuster and a liberal Democrat in the White House, the Congress has managed to pass an historic balanced budget agreement, middle class tax cuts, and a transportation bill that addresses the needs for improved, safer roads in America. But while Republicans are proud of that record, they are not satisfied. The cost of government is too great, Washington spending is still too careless, and education reform is being blocked by the usual suspects. The remaining time in the 105th Congress should be devoted to more progress in these areas. The President has on his desk important legislation to help parents save for their children's education in the form of education savings accounts. Normally this would not even be controversial, but the special interests oppose it, and the prospects for the President signing it are slim. That leaves us with more tax cuts and fiscal restraint. When it comes to tax cuts, Republicans believe in "more rather than less, sooner rather than later." Of course, we intend to honor that pledge.”