Jeb Hensarling: “this week the House will begin work on reconciliation, which is a way that we begin to reform out-of-control spending…”

“this week the House will begin work on reconciliation, which is a way that we begin to reform out-of-control spending programs in order to help pay for the hurricane relief. There are only three ways that we can pay for this hurricane relief. Either, number one, we are going to raise taxes on the American people yet again, we are going to pass debt on to our children, or we are going to find a way to moderate the growth of Federal programs. The Democrats say that this is tantamount to massive cuts that will hurt the poor. Madam Speaker, next year's budget is going to be greater than this year's budget, which was greater than last year's budget. What we call mandatory spending, which encompasses most of these welfare programs, mandatory spending is going to grow at a rate of 6.3 percent as opposed to 6.4. I believe only an accountant for Enron would call that a cut. Also, Madam Speaker, the best way to help the poor is through paychecks, not welfare checks. And under the economic policies of this administration, 4 million new jobs have been created with a future. We have the highest rate of homeownership in the history of America and unparalleled economic growth. ____________________”