John Shaw: “Mr. Speaker, it is not confusing. The Republicans are committed to empowering American families by returning power…”

“Mr. Speaker, it is not confusing. The Republicans are committed to empowering American families by returning power, money and choices to the people. We do not believe that the Federal budget surplus belongs to the government. It is the people's money, and it should be returned. They earned it. This is our constant and unchanging goal. That is why we proposed a firm commitment that applies at least 90 percent of next year's Federal budget surplus to paying off our debts. It turns out that a commitment to paying off the debt is a popular position. Last night, we forged a common sense coalition for debt relief. We drew support from both sides of the aisle. We believe that the surplus must be returned to the American people, if not through tax relief, then through debt reduction. Today, we take another important step. Members have another opportunity to send a very clear message to the White House. The American people demand greater fiscal discipline from their government. An unrestrained wave of new Washington spending is not an acceptable use for their surplus. Our latest initiative addresses this theme of fiscal discipline by both expanding retirement security and paying off the debt.”