Charles W. Stenholm: “Mr. Chairman, yesterday, we began this debate with a heart-felt wish that our proceedings, would be conducted on a plane…”

“Mr. Chairman, yesterday, we began this debate with a heart-felt wish that our proceedings, would be conducted on a plane befitting deliberations for amending our Nation's Constitution. I want to thank virtually all the participants in the debate for granting that wish. The debate has been informative, cordial and constructive. I also want to take this opportunity to especially thank my friend and colleague. Bob Smith, for all of the hard work and good will he has put into this effort for so many years. We will surely miss you Bob. As I mentally reviewed all that I had heard during the last 2 days, it seemed to me certain themes ran throughout the debate. First, there is a growing and genuine awareness of the danger today's debt presents tomorrow's generations. I do not believe this is mere stump speech material. More and more Members, especially those with young children and grandchildren, are sensing the serious responsibility they have in ending this burden we have been placing on their young shoulders. Second, there is an increased realization among Members that relying only on statutory remedies to our debt and deficit problem will once again bring us up short. The third thing that occurred to me was that the laws of policy making are just as constant as the laws of nature. As both a farmer and a Congressman, I know that you had better respect both sets of laws or you will produce nothing.”