[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          EARTHQUAKE RELIEF PACKAGE: A TO Z SPENDING-CUTS PLAN

  (Mr. ZELIFF asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ZELIFF. Mr. Speaker, every Member of this House feels a strong 
compassion for the victims of the recent California earthquake. We all 
know that massive Government aid is needed to get the Los Angeles area 
back on track.
  The earthquake relief package will be the largest ever for a natural 
disaster. The biggest question now is, who will pay for it? Us or our 
children and grandchildren?
  The President talks about the need for deficit reduction. The 
congressional leadership has joined in this call. So clearly we should 
not tack another $10 or $20 billion onto our already massive debt.
  So what's the solution? The solution, Mr. Speaker, is to use the A to 
Z spending cuts plan to pay for earthquake relief.
  The A to Z spending cut plan calls for an open rule that: First, 
allows every Member to propose new spending cut amendments; second, 
provides a free and fair debate for each proposal; and third, holds an 
up or down vote on each specific recommendation.
  It is simple. It is fiscally sound. It just makes sense.
  Give us an open rule and we can cut enough fat out of the budget to 
pay for the badly needed earthquake relief.

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