Charles W. Stenholm: “If one believes that providing a tax cut as large as possible is more important than eliminating the national debt and…”

“If one believes that providing a tax cut as large as possible is more important than eliminating the national debt and protecting Social Security and Medicare, then vote to override the veto of this bill. However, if one agrees that eliminating the national debt and protecting Social Security and Medicare is more important than any new spending or tax cuts, then vote to sustain the veto. I am for marriage penalty relief. We could come to this floor this afternoon and in very short order develop a fiscally responsible compromise which would bring meaningful support and tax equity to millions of Americans. Sadly, we choose this morning to continue a charade. I continue to be amazed at the level of inconsistency in the leadership of this House reflected from one message of the day to the next. On one day this House loves to congratulate itself on its commitment to debt reduction. The next day it is tax relief for small businesses.”