Bill Barrett: “Today the House continues debate on H.R. 5, a bill which will provide for the examination of past and future unfunded…”

“Today the House continues debate on H.R. 5, a bill which will provide for the examination of past and future unfunded mandates and regulations, imposed on State and local governments, as well as the private sector. This bill has the potential to be one of the greatest legislative relief bills for our State and local governments in recent memory. H.R. 5's mandate commission will review and make recommendations on modifying, terminating, or suspending current unfunded mandates. The focal point of this issue is not how well-intentioned or constructive these unfunded mandates are--the real issue here is paying for these constructive ideas. It is a matter of fiscal responsibility and control. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government has created a sea of redtape and an ocean of mandates that are drowning our States and communities, and past attempts to break the tide simply have not worked. The bill has broad, bipartisan support at all levels of government, and the private sector. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5, and oppose any amendments that would weaken the thrust of this legislation.”