Political Quotes

“Mark Twain used to say, ``Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.'' I would like to paraphrase that, and say, ``Some of us talk about a balanced budget-- and some of us do something about it.'' In this case, we know who the talkers are. They are those of my colleagues--on both sides of the aisle--who are advancing the idea that amending the Constitution can balance the budget. With all due respect, this is simply not the case. We know how to balance the budget. We know it is not easy, quick, or pleasant. It is done through painstaking scrutiny, not through broad- brushed rhetoric. It is done through tough-minded decisions, not through easy slogans. And above all, it is done honestly--by laying out the options, explaining the consequences, and debating the choices. This Congress knows how to do it, and has made substantial progress in that direction. Last summer's reconciliation package is working, moving us toward the lowest Federal budget deficit in a decade. Yet many of my colleagues who are most dedicated to a balanced budget amendment passionately opposed that plan. And now, some say they opposed it because it did not do enough. Mr. Chairman, how can a statement that we ought to do something--or even a statement that we be required to do something--take the place of actually doing something? Of course, there is no guarantee that a balanced budget amendment will ensure fiscal responsibility.”