Charles W. Stenholm: “just as God made little green apples, a $6 trillion national deficit growing continuously at $200 billion plus is going…”

“just as God made little green apples, a $6 trillion national deficit growing continuously at $200 billion plus is going to become a national defense issue for this country someday. One month ago I spent 2 days here on the House floor as we debated four different approaches to a balanced budget constitutional amendment. From speaker after speaker opposing these four amendments, I heard these words: ``We don't need a Constitutional Amendment. We just need to be willing to make the tough choices!'' I have noticed that a favorite pastimes here in Washington these days is to point out any balanced budget amendment supporter who votes against spending cuts. I have no problem with that sort of attention. But I must say that I am wondering when I will have an opportunity to read some articles about all the people who proclaim, ``Make the hard choices, Make the hard choices'' but never do just that. Today, those people who opposed the constitutional amendment will have the chance to force some hard choices. Likewise, those who support a constitutional amendment will be given the chance to show that they are willing to back up that support with real deficit reduction. Will this one provision get us a balanced budget? Of course not. There are some who seem to believe that unless you can show how you will take every step of the journey to a balanced budget your effort is not credible.…”