Political Quotes

“Lastly, Madam President, let me just note that every provision of the Constitution is subject to interpretation. I am sure that the Senator from Oklahoma does not agree with every Supreme Court decision interpreting the words of the Constitution--even though it may involve different interpretations of the same language. In 1994, the distinguished Senator from Illinois, Senator Simon, gave specific assurances that he would work in support of, and even cosponsor, implementing legislation to require Congress to balance the budget without counting the annual Social Security surplus. He even submitted a memorandum from the Congressional Research Service with the opinion that it would be legal and appropriate for Congress to pass such legislation. This memorandum is reprinted in the March 1, 1994, Congressional Record along with the debate. By contrast, in 1995 we saw proposals from leading proponents of the balanced budget amendment spelling out how much of the Social Security surplus they would count year by year. As I stated last year and again last week, this was an enormous shift in the interpretation of the resolution and a major factor in my decision to not support the balanced budget amendment without further assurances about Social Security. It is my hope that debate on the Senate floor in the future will be conducted at a level which respects the opinions of fellow Senators on all issues. It is the least that our constituents expect of us.”