Cord Byrd: “I sought to get Mr. Reagan to postpone the third year of his proposed 3-year tax cut until such time as we could see…”

“I sought to get Mr. Reagan to postpone the third year of his proposed 3-year tax cut until such time as we could see what the budget deficit was, until such time as we could see what was happening to the economy. No, he wouldn't do that. So I offered legislation here, as minority leader, at that time, to require that that third year of the tax cut be delayed. But my amendment was rejected, just like all amendments that we are offering now to the constitutional amendment are being rejected summarily. My amendment was rejected. And then I voted for the Reagan tax cut. My people said, ``Go along with this new President. Give him a chance. Give him what he wants.'' And so I did, and I have been sorry of it ever since. I voted for that Reagan tax cut. I also voted for his massive military buildup. And, so, I am that much to blame. But let it not be said that the President should escape the charge of having overblown spending, and the debt, by saying, ``We are the Congress. The President proposes, the Congress disposes.'' Mr. Reagan had a veto pen. Why didn't he veto some of the appropriations bills? He didn't. He didn't use the veto pen, perhaps, enough.”