Political Quotes

“I say to the Senator that 25 years ago was the last time we had a balanced budget. The Senator from Oklahoma will probably agree that we are hearing today, ``We will produce a 7-year budget to achieve the balanced budget amendment.'' We know it is a give-and-take process. But more than that, I say the burden of proof is on those opponents of the balanced budget amendment because the statutory approach has failed. They have had an opportunity, let us say, over the last 15 years, when they objected to a balanced budget amendment, to come up with a statutory approach. We have had statutory remedies, all of which have failed. So now we are at the point of deciding the future of this country. Do we enact a constitutional amendment? There are those who will probably fundamentally disagree with having a balanced budget whatsoever. They disagree in principle. I happen not to. I think it is most important that we do it for the country, as the Senator does. But I think it is ignoring the choices that we are required to make. I think that this is the only way in which we are going to make those tough decisions on what exactly is affordable and acceptable to the American people.”