Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, the tax limitation balanced budget amendment will ensure that, like American families, the Government spends only within its means. The tax limitation balanced budget amendment will prevent the Congress from balancing governmental books on the backs of working Americans. The tax limitation balanced budget amendment is necessary because Congress has repeatedly failed to control its spending. When Gramm-Rudman would have forced budget cuts in 1987, Congress revised the act to put off a balanced budget. Congress' inability to cut the deficit and pay down the debt demonstrates the need for this legislation. A balanced budget amendment is the best approach to eliminate the deficit while protecting the fruits of the American worker's labor. Had this measure been in effect, Mr. Speaker, during 1993, the largest tax increase in history would have needed 290 votes, rather than 218. Instead of passing by only one vote with the support of only one party, a clear bipartisan consensus would have been required. If you believe that Americans are undertaxed and passing tax increases ought to be as easy as possible and the quick-fix solution to our fiscal problems, do not vote for this measure. On the other hand, if you do not want to hold your constituents' hard-earned tax dollars hostage, you will vote for this reform.”