Political Quotes

“this Balanced Budget Downpayment Act is an important step forward. Funding levels will now be based on the conference report funding levels for the fiscal year 1996 Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary appropriations bill. With a few exceptions, relating to issues that remain to be negotiated out, congressional priorities will be reflected from this point forward, both in terms of programs that merit continued funding and those where decreases are justified. For law enforcement programs, small business loans, passports, visas, diplomatic security, and the Judiciary, full-year funding has already been provided in the previous two targeted appropriations bills. In this bill, funding is being provided through March 15 for the remaining programs under the jurisdiction of the Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary Subcommittee at the fiscal year 1996 conference report levels, under fiscal year 1995 terms and conditions. This puts funding for these programs on the path that will lead to substantial savings--in the Commerce Department, for instance, the conference report provided levels that are a 16-percent reduction from fiscal year 1995, while providing substantial additional resources for the Nation's fight against crime.”