Peter Visclosky: “I appreciate the recognition to speak on the resolution. Article 1, section 9 of the Constitution states that ``No money…”

“I appreciate the recognition to speak on the resolution. Article 1, section 9 of the Constitution states that ``No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law.'' It is the fiscal duty of the Congress to appropriate the money necessary to provide the funds needed to support the execution of programs and operations of the Federal Government. To date, only five of these important measures have been considered. The failure of this unrealistic budget resolution is especially true in respect to the fiscal year 2003 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill in its funding for education. This inaction has hampered this body's constitutional duty and impinged its integrity. President Bush dedicated significant amounts of time and public dialogue during his first months in office to the passage of H.R. 1, the Leave No Child Behind Act. It specifically authorized large increases in a number of key educational programs. However, within weeks of signing the bill, the President submitted a budget that stopped 6 years of steady progress.”