Orrin Hatch: “I think that the Democratic leader has made a very compelling case. The amendment we are offering does not break the…”

“I think that the Democratic leader has made a very compelling case. The amendment we are offering does not break the budget agreement. He summarized three points basically. No. 1, our amendment, just like the Domenici amendment, embodies no new health care program but builds on the existing monies in the budget resolution. No. 2, although our amendment alters the revenue numbers by raising the tax on tobacco there is no excise tax in the body of the text. It is my understanding that such language would not be in order. I think it would also raise serious constitutional questions about a tax originating in the Senate. I think my colleagues understand that point. No. 3, as I am pleased to recognize, as Senator Daschle has noted, our amendment does not worsen the deficit. In fact, it lowers the deficit. You would think that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle would be interested in doing supporting this language, especially on a balanced budget resolution. Keep in mind, although this budget resolution claims to balance the budget, the U.S. Government will still have a $6 trillion national debt. The Hatch-Kennedy amendment would reduce that debt by $10 billion more over the next 5 years.”