Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I rise in support of H.R. 1158. Mr. Chairman, as a new Member of the House I voted for a balanced budget amendment…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1158. Mr. Chairman, as a new Member of the House I voted for a balanced budget amendment knowing full well that such a measure would require tough choices. While some contend that we do not need such an amendment, personally I feel our Nation's future depends on it. Our national debt is staggering, our annual deficit continues to grow, and our actions today on H.R. 1158 mark the first real step to protect future generations. We are here for our children and grandchildren, pure and simple. If we act today, we give them the greater measure of security. Most important, this first tough vote may give them a chance to have the opportunities we now enjoy, a great education, the prospect of a good job and a quality of life unparalleled in the world. My hometown paper urges that the majority party start to act in the new Congress, actually to cut spending. It urges Congress to start making the tough spending decisions now. While I don't always listen to my hometown paper, they are right: Don't talk cut, cut sensibly, and my constituents agree. Our vote today will lead to a balanced budget. Let's be clear; this package is a $17.2 billion reduction out of a total of a $1.5 trillion budget. It is a 1.1-percent reduction. The bottom line is that we need to start the process.…”