Sam Gibbons: “as we end the 105th Congress, I think it is very important to understand that for the first time in a generation…”

“as we end the 105th Congress, I think it is very important to understand that for the first time in a generation, Congress is about to adjourn with a budget surplus. When Republicans took control of this body, such an achievement would have seemed impossible. But for the first time in 16 years, this Congress gave the American people a tax cut. One could only wonder if tax cuts would have become a reality had the Republicans not taken control. Through the Tax Code Termination Act, this Republican-led Congress gave a promise to the American public that we will develop a fair, simpler and more honest tax system. It was this Republican-led Congress that provided a more accountable Internal Revenue Service which now places the burden of proof on the IRS rather than on the taxpayer in tax disputes. Furthermore, this body made a promise to our Nation's seniors, and we are working to save and secure Social Security well into the future. So when my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to tell us that this is a do-nothing Congress, know that they are right. We did nothing to fulfill their agenda. We did not raise taxes, we did not increase budgetary red ink, and we did not ignore IRS abuses. Along with the American people I am proud that we did not follow the liberals and their 40-year controlled agenda of tax hikes and bigger government.”