John B. Breaux: “Some of the quotes are absolutely amazing, from some of our Republican colleagues: ``Balancing the budget has nothing to…”

“Some of the quotes are absolutely amazing, from some of our Republican colleagues: ``Balancing the budget has nothing to do with our pay.'' A further comment was, ``As a Member of Congress this Member was a constitutional officer, not a Federal employee.'' Three times the Senate has passed unanimously language that would, during a full or partial shutdown of our Government, say that no paychecks would go out to the 435 Members of the House and the 100 Members of the Senate. Five times they tried to enact that same legislation in the House. Each time they were prevented from bringing it up. When this particular Member was asked about whether they would support this congressional pay provision, they said ``No, I will not. I am not a Federal employee. I am a constitutional officer. My job is in the Constitution of the United States. I am not a Government employee. I am in the Constitution.'' Mr. President, I think people back home have had enough. They have had enough of people who grandstand, of people who play the blame game, and people in the Congress who say they are better than anyone else. We are getting full salary and let the rest of the people suffer because we want to make a point. I think it is time to come to insist on rather drastic action. I support the efforts of Senator Boxer. I think she was right on target. She was early and ahead in the game in offering something that I guarantee will make a difference.…”