Kay Bailey Hutchison: “This is a budget that will set our spending priorities. What my amendment says is there are only two responsible ways to…”

“This is a budget that will set our spending priorities. What my amendment says is there are only two responsible ways to spend any future surpluses: to pay down the debt, to save Social Security; or to give tax relief to the hard-working American family. If Congress decides to put all the money into debt relief and Social Security, that is consistent with this amendment. The only reason you would vote against this amendment is if you want Congress in the future to be able to go on spending binges and give the bill to our children. This allows us to put all the money on pay-down debt or to give tax relief. It is important that we recognize that we have labored mightily. We should not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on the balanced budget. This is our chance to take a stand. We are going to spend any future surpluses in only two ways--to pay down debt or to give tax relief to the hard-working American family. I urge Members to support this.”