Bruce F. Vento: “as President Reagan said, ``Here you go again.'' Once again the Republican majority party is demonstrating how out of…”

“as President Reagan said, ``Here you go again.'' Once again the Republican majority party is demonstrating how out of touch it is with the American people. In 1993, the American people sent a message to Congress that they wanted the budget deficit reduced. It was a straight forward message, easily understandable and a demand to which Congress responded. The Democratic controlled Congress, working with President Clinton and without a single Republican vote, made the tough decisions and put in place the foundation for today's strong economy and this year's budget surplus. In 1995, the new Republican Majority took charge with this sound Democratic economic plan in place. But instead of working with the Clinton Administration to develop a rational budget plan to move forward with deficit reduction, the GOP majority sought to undermine the real progress that had been made. Instead of the responsible policy course, the majority party chose slogans over substance in 1995-96. The GOP to save money, just shut down the entire federal government, they said. Ignore the consequences of this irresponsible action they urged. As a result, they held the American people hostage over their radical demands. One would assume that the leadership would have learned a lesson from this 95-96 public policy and political disaster. But no. Today, in a massive misreading of what the American people really want, this legislation is offered.…”