John Mica: “I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, Mr. Smith and Mr. Stenholm and others who have had the courage…”

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, Mr. Smith and Mr. Stenholm and others who have had the courage and provide the leadership on this most important issue. As the freshmen Republican coordinator of Stenholm-Smith balanced budget amendment, I want to thank every new Republican Member, all of whom support this amendment. Balancing our national budget by enacting a constitutional amendment is the most critical issue to come before the 103d Congress. As a new Member, I have been shocked and appalled at the reckless manner in which taxpayers' hard-earned dollars are spent here. After only 1 year in these halls, I am convinced more than ever that we must pass a balanced budget amendment. Every legislative attempt to curtail Federal spending has failed. If the people really knew how their money was being spent they would charge up the Capitol steps and drag out the guilty parties. Unfortunately, the average citizen and taxpayer is so busy paying the bill, complying with Government regulations, and trying to keep afloat, they have not taken measures into their own hands. But, I remind my colleagues, they have sent us here to make sense of the mess Congress has created. Do not believe those who attempt to scare people by saying that a balanced budget will hurt this or that special interest group. This amendment will not hurt anyone today. This amendment will not hurt anyone tomorrow.”