Political Quotes

“I rise today in opposition to the conference report on the budget resolution. In 1816, Thomas Jefferson in advising the American public wrote ``To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.'' Today, Thomas Jefferson would be appalled to watch this House. While the American taxpayer celebrates tax freedom day, this House will pass a budget allowing the Federal debt to increase by over $900 billion in the next 5 years. This budget is flawed both for what it does not do and for what it does do. First, contrary to the claims of many, this budget is not a blueprint to balance the budget, it does not even completely reverse the runaway deficit trend. In fact, the deficit in 1999 will be at least $200 billion--up, not down from $180 billion in 1995. This House had at least three opportunities, just this year, to further address the deficit--all of which were based upon the belief that Government is too big, spending is too high and the debt is crushing our children.”