Gilbert Gutknecht: “I am a firm believer that actions have consequences. By the same token, doing nothing can have consequences as well. If…”

“I am a firm believer that actions have consequences. By the same token, doing nothing can have consequences as well. If Congress does nothing about Medicare or the budget, I doubt America could survive the consequences. The actions of Congress over the past generation have resulted in an enormous national debt. Servicing this debt consumes a large chunk of the over-all budget. If Congress does nothing about the disastrous trend of deficit spending, in 10 years we will be unable to meet other obligations while servicing the debt. Likewise, if Congress does nothing to protect Medicare, it too will become insolvent in just 7 years. Let me be clear, this information is coming from President Clinton's own people and is not a Republican gimmick. Mr. Speaker, the consequences for doing nothing are too great. We here in Congress have the ability and the responsibility to do something about these two problems. The debt poses a threat to future generations and a collapse of Medicare would hurt older Americans. Now is not the time for inaction or the arrogant avoidance of responsibility that has permeated Washington.”