Herbert Klein: “President Clinton handed Congress a challenge on Monday. He gave us a budget that sends us in the right direction, a…”

“President Clinton handed Congress a challenge on Monday. He gave us a budget that sends us in the right direction, a plan that offers the fiscal discipline my constituents are demanding. Now, we have heard lots of clever spin about where and why the President's budget does not go far enough, but these critics are missing the point. The President's budget plan will cut the budget deficit to $176 billion in 1995. That is 3 straight years of a declining deficit, something we haven't seen since Harry Truman was in the White House. The people have told us, time and again, that they are willing to make tough choices to achieve real deficit reduction. Is it not time we listened to the people for a change? This budget will not be easy and it will not be painless. President Clinton suggested a lower level of transportation funds, and I find this troublesome. But, I also know how crucial it is to eliminate this deficit before another generation has to pay for our fiscal irresponsibility. I will fight throughout the budget process to see that New Jersey gets treated fairly, but I will not sacrifice the future and I will not give up the cause of fiscal discipline.”