Political Quotes

“in my 32 years here in this House, I have always tried to be helpful in passing a constitutional budget amendment. I think it is absolutely necessary that we act today favorably, and that we pass this constitutional amendment without any delay. The people of this Nation demand it, the majority of this House demands it, and I think the majority of the States will ratify it, not only the majority in total, but the majority required. Some of the 50 States today have some kind of a balanced budget amendment, meaning that they cannot spend any more than they take in. Madam Speaker, Tennessee is a good example of that. We have had it for years, and it works. The Federal Government should have it, and it will work. We should give it a try, and today is the day that we are going to do just that. I commend the members of the Committee on Rules in the majority for bringing this to the floor of the House, and I know that these amendments, which will be discussed in full, embrace all of the ideas that were introduced that the gentleman from Massachusetts alluded to. I know that we will have an opportunity to discuss those issues, and in the end I certainly hope that this House will act responsibly and favorably and pass this constitutional budget amendment without delay.”