Political Quotes

“I thank Senator Thune so much for his comments, and that of Senator Johanns. They are raising a fundamental question. We have never, ever been in a financial situation in our country that is as systemically deeply dangerous as we are today. You go through a war and you borrow a lot of money. You go through a recession, maybe your debt goes up some. We are systemically in a recession, but we are also in long-term projections of a dangerous surging level of debt, as your chart shows. Last year the Democratic majority moved a budget out of committee. Senator Thune is a member of that committee, and remembers that debate. Senator Reid declared that he wasn't going to bring it up. It was never brought up on the floor of the Senate or even debated. This year, apparently the majority leader decided once again we would not have a budget, and directed that the Budget Committee not even mark up a budget. So we have not even commenced work on a budget this year. Indeed, the majority leader said it was foolish for the country to have a budget this year, which is stunning, since during the 792 days we have been without a budget the debt of the United States has increased some $3.2 trillion. It is a stunning thing. So, yes, I believe that history shows in the past, and based on the real crisis we face in the future, there has never been a more important time for us to do what so many States do: Have a balanced budget amendment that requires us each year to balance that budget.…”