Tim Mahoney: “I rise tonight on behalf of Florida's 16th Congressional District in support of the House budget resolution for fiscal…”

“I rise tonight on behalf of Florida's 16th Congressional District in support of the House budget resolution for fiscal year 2008. I decided to run for Congress 18 months ago because I wanted to protect my daughter Bailey's American Dream. I was appalled by how Republican leadership had turned a budget surplus into a $3 trillion deficit. I was appalled by out-of-control earmarks that put political payoffs over good government. Tonight, my daughter's legacy of this Republican mismanagement is her personal debt tax of $29,000. I am proud to stand here tonight with Chairman Spratt and my fellow Blue Dogs in support of a fiscally responsible budget that reflects the priorities and values of the American people. I am proud that the Democratic Party is taking yet another step in bringing fiscal responsibility back to our Nation. Our first step happened within hours of our swearing in, when we began to clean up the Republicans' culture of corruption by passing earmark reform. Next, we passed the pay-as-you-go, PAYGO, rule that forces this Congress to live within its means, just as American families do. I am proud that this budget follows the PAYGO rule, as it demonstrates a Democratic commitment to walk the walk of fiscal responsibility and not just talk the talk.”