Todd Tiahrt: “the Senate has defeated the balanced budget. We have heard repeatedly from the party of big government, the opponents of…”

“the Senate has defeated the balanced budget. We have heard repeatedly from the party of big government, the opponents of the balanced budget, that we do not need to amend the Constitution to balance the budget. We can do it right now. I say it is time to put our money where our mouths are. Let us get started. Today I am introducing legislation to eliminate the President's AmeriCorps program, the largest Government service program since the 1930's. AmeriCorps spends $400 million a year to pay volunteers, which is a paradox in terms and, in many cases, for them just to serve as low-level Federal bureaucrats. The GAO has reported the average AmeriCorps paid volunteer receives $26,000 a year in compensation. This program makes politicians feel good and lets us talk about our high-minded ideals. I pose this simple question: Is this program so important that we want to borrow the money against our children's future to pay for the program? We have heard much talk about balancing the budget and the President has even said in this Chamber that the era of big government is over. Let us help him to fulfill his proclamation. Talk will not balance the budget, but spending less will. Let us start by closing the books on AmeriCorps.”