Political Quotes

Jeb Hensarling: “I can state that, number one, government is not in the business of creating wealth. Government is in the business of…”

On the recordNovember 5, 2003
I can state that, number one, government is not in the business of creating wealth. Government is in the business of redistributing wealth. People, hardworking American people who go out and save and risk and take chances and work hard and build businesses, those are the people who create wealth in our society. Those are the people who create jobs in our society. I am unaware of any society that has ever taxed itself into prosperity. So apparently folks from the other side of the aisle must be reading different economic history text than I am. You cannot tax yourself into prosperity. And I might add for the benefit of those on the other side of the aisle, you cannot sue your way into prosperity either. That is their plan for America. It is a failed plan. It does not work.
Said by
Jeb Hensarling
Republican · Texas

Editor's note · Context

Discussing economic principles and government roles in wealth creation during a floor speech.

Share

More from Jeb Hensarling

Dec 10, 2018

So if that is permitted right now then I am going to raise my hand at the board meeting when the senior vice president for credit administration comes in with this big gobbledygook proposal and says, 'Hey, I like it. That is fascinating…

congress.gov
Nov 13, 2018

As we saw in the last crisis, it is the average hardworking Americans that will suffer the consequences if Washington deregulates Wall Street mega banks again.

congress.gov
Oct 5, 2026

As New York is increasingly shoving capital out, Texas is saying, 'You're welcome here.

foxnews.com
Dec 10, 2018

How are we that much better off? And if we could put up a slide, you are asking community banks to make a forecast.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation