William Tauzin: “it is time for the balanced budget amendment. The time is right. It is our responsibility to present it to the American…”

“it is time for the balanced budget amendment. The time is right. It is our responsibility to present it to the American public. For too long many of my colleagues have sought to protect the pork that has become too heavy a burden for the American people to bear. The time for scare tactics is over, Mr. Speaker. If opponents of the balanced budget amendment really want to protect the American family and its future, they need to end this constant pattern of false and destructive rhetoric and help us do what is right for the country. Mr. Speaker, the arguments our opponents are using are simply wrong and they know they are wrong. The balanced budget amendment will not force cuts in Social Security. In fact, the balanced budget amendment is the only hope to save the program in the long run. Let me say it again: No one intends to cut or to touch Social Security. Mr. Speaker, funding for the collection and analysis of the striped bass, however, may have to get reeled in. Mr. Speaker, we must all act responsibly for the good of the American people we were sent here to represent.”