Barbara Kennelly: “I am delighted to stand here today, on March 28, 1996, because it is a good day for the United States of America, it is…”

“I am delighted to stand here today, on March 28, 1996, because it is a good day for the United States of America, it is a good day for the economic security of the United States of America, it is a good day for the financial markets of the United States of America, but most importantly it is a good day for the full faith and credit of the United States. We are raising the debt limit. We should have done it 5 months ago, but we are doing it today, and I am pleased that that is happening. There are those who say it did not matter if we did not raise it when we should have 5 months ago. I have to differ because I do not think there is any way of knowing if there were not interest rate increases or delaying schedules of auctions for securities, or, in fact, holding those actions for securities, or, in fact, holding those auctions when they should have. Having said that, I am glad today has come. There is one disappointment I have, though, in this bill. For 19 years, for 19 years, the blind of this country have been joined with the elderly of this country, in being able to earn a certain amount of money over and above the Social Security earnings test. For some reason, the majority has decided to drop the blind from this joint relationship with those over 65. I do think it is too bad, because it really hurts the economic independence of the blind in this country. I certainly hope the majority in another time will look at this piece of legislation.”