Political Quotes

“I want to state today my strong opposition to any amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would seek to provide for a balanced budget. Let me begin by reminding the House that Congress passed a budget plan last year which is moving the Nation toward a balanced budget in a dramatic fashion. The deficit for fiscal year 1995 is expected to be 40 percent below the deficit originally projected by fiscal year 1995. The budget resolution passed by the house last year provides for a fiscal year 1995 deficit of $176 billion compared to the fiscal year 1994 deficit of $235 billion. Passage of national health care reform will help to lock in this positive deficit reduction trend by controlling fast growing Federal health care expenditures. The 1993 economic plan and health care reform will help to provide a balanced budget. It will be done as a result of straightforward debate and tough votes. Members of Congress do not need to hide behind the U.S. Constitution to make the choices needed to balance the budget. The Congress must only face up to these issues and do the right thing. My opposition to a balanced budget amendment is based on the basic fact that only Congress can take the tough votes required to balance the budget. An amendment to the U.S. Constitution is not needed and furthermore will not achieve the goal advanced by the supporters of this proposed amendment.”