Byron Dorgan: “First let me explain that I intend to vote for this legislation. The Senator from New Jersey and the Senator from New…”

“First let me explain that I intend to vote for this legislation. The Senator from New Jersey and the Senator from New Mexico and others have, I think, done a remarkable job of crafting a bill that represents a compromise with the White House, with the Republicans and the Democrats, putting together a piece of legislation that tackles this budget deficit, and is the second step of several steps that we have taken, first in 1993 and then now in 1997, which will lead to a fiscal policy that is under control in this country--not only tackling the deficit but doing so in a way that makes a great deal of sense, cutting spending in some areas and increasing investment yet in other areas. This builds on accomplishments that we began earlier by tackling the budget deficit effectively but also by saying there are several other things in this country that are enormously important. One is children's health, what to do about children's health care in this country.”