Political Quotes

“we have certainly come a long way since May 1993 when we first began this effort. Now, 22 months later-- with Governors, mayors, county commissioners, tribal leaders, school board members, and business leaders throughout the country looking on-- Congress is about to end the debate on mandate relief, and begin a new partnership with States, cities, counties, tribes, schools, and the private sector by voting on final passage of the conference report on S. 1 the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. This bill has been described as landmark legislation, as far-reaching and visionary. It is all of those. Ever since 1791 when the 10th amendment was first ratified the Federal Government has slowly eroded the power of the States. Today, with passage of S. 1, we begin to reverse that role. S. 1 is founded on the premise of responsibility and accountability. This will change the mind set of Washington, DC, from this point forward. First, it requires the Federal Government to know and pay for the costs of mandates before imposing them on State, local, and tribal government. Second, the Federal Government should know the costs and impacts of mandates before imposing them on the private sector. S. 1 thoroughly reforms the process by which Congress and Federal agencies impose new mandates on the public and private sector.”