Rod Grams: “tucked into the 2,000-page, 9-pound-11- ounce stack of documents that make up President Clinton's latest budget was a…”

“tucked into the 2,000-page, 9-pound-11- ounce stack of documents that make up President Clinton's latest budget was a small booklet that many people might have overlooked. That booklet is called ``A Citizens Guide to the Federal Budget.'' I would like to read to you a couple of the paragraphs from chapter 2, and that chapter deals with where money comes from and where it goes. It says: In a typical American household, a father and mother might sit around the kitchen table to review the family budget. They might discuss how much they expect to earn each year, how much they can spend on food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and perhaps a vacation, and how much they might be able to save for future needs. If they do not have enough money to make ends meet, they might discuss how they can spend less, such as cutting back on restaurants, movies or other entertainment. They also might consider whether to try to earn more by working more hours or taking another job. If they expect their shortfall to be temporary, they might try to borrow. This is from the ``Small Citizens Guide to the Federal Budget.'' I agree with every word of that--the situation it describes is precisely what American families are facing today. But then the booklet continues and says: Generally speaking, the Federal Government plans its budget much like families do. Generally speaking Mr.…”