[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS ALTERNATIVE BUDGET STATEMENT

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                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 1994

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Chairman, today we have a great opportunity to redirect 
our Nation's spending priorities and enact a Federal budget that not 
only continues the course of economic recovery but realizes new 
horizons on the path to longlasting prosperity. This budget alternative 
will put our Nation back to work, house our homeless, feed the hungry 
and expand health care services.
  The Congressional Black Caucus alternative budget is designed to 
restore the spirit of human kindness that has too long been lacking in 
national policy. Mr. Chairman, a nation is only as strong as its 
weakest citizens; the Congressional Black Caucus alternative budget is 
foremost about meeting the special needs of the poor, the elderly and 
the disenfranchised.
  During the decade of the 1980's the Federal budget was designed by 
those promoting the trickle down theory and their programs failed to 
serve the basic needs of American people. A sea change in Washington 
began last year and no one in this body can afford to ignore the cries 
for change which have been voiced by people in every community across 
this Nation. Mr. Chairman, it is time for real leaders to step forward 
and advocate progressive alternatives. The Congressional Black Caucus 
budget would reorient our national programs to solve the devastating 
problems we can no longer afford to tolerate. The only way to 
revitalize our Nation and rebuild our communities is from the bottom 
up. As long as we fail to realistically address the root causes of 
poverty, racism and sexism, this Nation will not grow or prosper.
  Mr. Chairman, the Congressional Black Caucus alternative budget 
addresses the real needs of our Nation and nurtures lasting economic 
growth and vitality. I urge my colleagues to support this bold agenda 
for change.

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