Gilbert Gutknecht: “I think all of us in business know that good news does not necessarily make news and bad news is always on the front…”

“I think all of us in business know that good news does not necessarily make news and bad news is always on the front page. But I think there is some good news, especially with respect to the budget, and the interesting thing is not only do most Americans not know this, frankly, I do not think most Members of Congress know this. Back in June 1995, when this House passed its budget resolution, we said that we would spend in fiscal year 1997 $1624 billion and that we would take in, in revenue, about $1,451 billion. Well, that is what we said in June 1995. Let us talk about what really has happened. In fiscal year 1997 we are going to spend $1,622 billion. In other words, Mr. Speaker, this Congress is going to spend less money in fiscal year 1997 than we said we were going to spend just 2 years ago. And the even better news is, because the economy has been stronger and interest rates have been lower, we have taken in an additional $100 billion. Now, when is the last time that Congress took in an extra $100 billion and actually spent less than they said they were going to spend? I think that is great news for the economy, I think it is great news for the American people but, most important, I think it is great news for our children.”