Russ Feingold: “I rise today to offer some initial comments on the President's proposed budget for fiscal year 1999. As with any budget…”

“I rise today to offer some initial comments on the President's proposed budget for fiscal year 1999. As with any budget, there will be occasion to discuss and debate the many individual provisions it contains. I have already heard some legitimate concerns voiced about some of the provisions from both sides of the aisle, and I very much look forward to working with my colleagues on the Budget Committee to fashion what I hope will be the second consecutive bipartisan budget agreement. Despite the many issues surrounding individual provisions, though, we have to acknowledge what a historic moment this is. The President's budget is historic. For the first time in 30 years, a President has submitted a unified budget that actually balances. That is an achievement worth noting and noting again. While many of us believe we have a way to go before we can talk about having a genuine balance, it is fitting to pause for a moment to acknowledge the tremendous progress that has been made.”