Cliff Stearns: “let me ask this question: If you asked the American people, do we need to change the way Congress works, I think you…”

“let me ask this question: If you asked the American people, do we need to change the way Congress works, I think you would get a large percentage that would say yes. There is another question. Shortly we are going to see on this voting board around here the votes on this amendment. The American people are going to look to see who votes against this very simple amendment for a lockbox. That is the other question. Let us show the American taxpayers that we are serious, very serious about reducing the deficit. Supporting this amendment should make it clear that we are going to put our money where our mouths are. In other words, we will ensure that any savings realized in the appropriations bill will automatically go into a lockbox and not be spent in another way. Such a trust fund is long overdue, my colleagues. If we show the folks back home that we are truly committed to reducing the deficit, it will be easier for our citizens to accept some of the other tough choices we are asking them to accept. Again, I want to compliment my colleagues for offering this amendment. I am proud to be an original cosponsor. I support the amendment.”