Charles W. Stenholm: “I rise in support of this reconciliation bill. This bill takes another important step toward achieving a balanced…”

“I rise in support of this reconciliation bill. This bill takes another important step toward achieving a balanced budget. As one who believes that enactment of a fair and responsible plan to balance the budget by 2002 and beyond is critical to the future of our country, I believe it is extremely important that the House vote today to send this bill to conference and keep the process moving. The efforts of President Clinton and Congress have resulted in 5 consecutive years of declining deficits and the lowest deficit since the Carter administration. The agreement builds on this tremendous achievement, and continues the glidepath to a balanced budget. I am gratified that in numerous instances this reconciliation bill reflects the influence of Blue Dog budgets. The savings levels and the policies for Medicare and Medicaid and other programs are quite close to the savings levels and policies we predicted would comprise a reasonable compromise. Anyone who has ever tried to lead knows there are a dozen attacks on why a plan is bad for every one suggestion of how it might be improved. I remain solidly in the camp of those who will work for a constructive compromise. In that vein, I congratulate the President and his staff, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Kasich], the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Spratt], and all of their staff for their hard labors which have brought us to this point.”