Political Quotes

“Truth in budgeting is important. It is important to know what programs will be cut and priorities will be protected. Last night President Clinton told us of the heroic act of Jack Lucas and commended all veterans who are willing to risk their lives for us, and he said, ``We owed them a debt we could never repay.'' He then challenged us, as we make cuts in Government spending, to remember our obligations to our children, parents, and others who have risked their lives by protecting education, Social Security, and Medicare, and veterans' benefits from those cuts. Madam Speaker, my proposed amendment would have accomplished those goals. Last night, Madam Speaker, I was pleased that this suggestion received a standing ovation from both sides of the House, for these are truly nonpartisan goals. That is why I am so puzzled by the Committee on Rules' decision not to allow a vote on this balanced budget amendment, which has bipartisan support and would accomplish all of these goals. I find it truly amazing that even though our veterans put their lives on the line in defense of our democracy, we are not allowed today to even have a vote on whether to honor our commitment to those who have risked their lives for our democracy. Madam Speaker, I wanted to point out that truth in budgeting is important. We need to know where the cuts will fall.”