Rod Grams: “as a strong proponent of sunset legislation, it is with some irony that I stand today in opposition to this amendment.…”

“as a strong proponent of sunset legislation, it is with some irony that I stand today in opposition to this amendment. But there is a clear distinction between sunset amendments that promote fiscal responsibility and those that promote political gamesmanship. And I submit that this amendment is the latter. Because I believe firmly that Congress must act as gatekeeper when it comes to spending the taxpayers' hard-earned dollars, I authored the Budget Accountability Act as a Member of the House of Representatives. This is sunset legislation that helps ensure greater accountability of Federal programs and Federal tax collections. For far too long, Congress has conveniently opted out of its oversight responsibilities. Without sunset legislation, Congress allows programs to live on in perpetuity, unchecked, often far beyond any intended usefulness. And without better oversight of our revenue code, we end up with excessive layering of taxes. Under sunset legislation, revenue, and spending bills are reined in, no longer automatically renewed without regard to their viability or impact on the deficit. I successfully attached sunset amendments to nearly two dozen bills during my 2 years in the House. But I cannot support my colleague's sunset amendment today. Mr. President, sunsetting the Unfunded Mandate Relief Act has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility. I fact, this amendment runs counter to the principles of fiscal responsibility.”