Ernest Istook: “Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, it is almost Halloween, and the Democrats are up to their usual tricks in search of the big…”

“Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, it is almost Halloween, and the Democrats are up to their usual tricks in search of the big government treats. Like all our appropriations bills, this conference report funds many very significant programs sufficiently while maintaining a balanced budget. But despite all the good qualities of this legislation, it is being opposed. Now, I hear a lot of rhetoric about getting down to business from the other side of the aisle. One Member after the other walks up to the podium and accuses the Republicans of partisanship. Well, I have a message for the Democrats. Stopping the raid on the Social Security Trust Fund is not a partisan issue. The Republicans want to ensure that every penny of the Social Security Trust Fund goes to those who paid into the fund. Today, with this vote, the Democrats will have the opportunity to join us in this battle. But it seems very clear that many Democrats are going to turn their backs on this historic opportunity in voting 'no' on this bill. When these individuals vote 'no' in the coming minutes, they are telling their constituents in no uncertain terms that they are willing to raid the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for big government programs.”