[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    EARTHQUAKE DISASTER RELIEF BILL

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                               speech of

                          HON. CASS BALLENGER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 3, 1994

  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, I must express my deep disappointment 
with this body's failure to offset the $9.7 billion in new spending for 
emergency aid to victims of the Los Angeles earthquake. I voted for the 
spending because I believe we have a responsibility to our fellow 
Americans to assist them in their efforts to rebuild, restore and heal. 
However, contrary to what some Members think, voting to offset new 
spending does not preclude compassion. In fact, to not offset this new 
spending will move us one step closer to the economic earthquake 
threatening our well-being and the well-being of our children and 
grandchildren.
  This is only the most recent in a series of natural disasters that 
have proved to be a heavy financial burden to the American people. And 
yet the leadership of this body has repeatedly refused to take steps to 
prepare, in advance, for disasters that we cannot, with accuracy, 
predict, but anticipate. In the past, efforts to set aside funds for 
disaster relief have been rebuffed as unnecessary and burdensome. Well, 
Mr. Speaker, it's obvious where the burden lies--with future 
generations of Americans. To continue adding to the enormous debt, 
while ignoring the opportunity to pay for new spending, is simply 
ludicrous--it is irresponsible and foolish.
  Members from both sides of the aisle bemoan spiraling deficits. The 
solution lies in control of Federal spending. We simply must stop 
adding to the debt with reckless abandon. The bottom line is that 
Federal resources are limited and tough choices must be made in order 
to set spending priorities. We had the opportunity to act responsibly 
and offset this spending. We had the chance to spare our offspring even 
more debt through minor cuts in existing programs. I can say with 
confidence that a vote in favor of offsetting the spending was indeed 
the most compassionate vote, for the earthquake victims--and for the 
future.

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