Political Quotes

“I simply do not believe that it is appropriate to enshrine a restrictive fiscal policy in our Nation's most sacred text. The balanced budget amendment would seriously inhibit our ability to set prudent fiscal policy and respond to cyclical patterns in economic growth. Moreover, the amendment has serious implications for our foreign policy. I am also concerned about the balanced budget amendment's effect on Social Security. The Social Security Program is one of the longest running and most successful programs this country has ever undertaken. It has succeeded in virtually eliminating poverty among our Nation's senior citizens. I yield to no one in my commitment to preserving and protecting it. Today, I am very concerned that the program is threatened by the restrictive provisions of the balanced budget constitutional amendment. If Congress is allowed to count Social Security surpluses when determining if the budget is in balance, this critical safety net for our Nation's seniors could be placed in jeopardy.”