[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               KASICH-PENNY MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES

                                 ______


                               speech of

                             HON. TOBY ROTH

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 1994

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, the Kasich/Penny/Stenholm motion to instruct 
conferees on the Budget Resolution is a golden opportunity to show the 
Nation that we're serious about reducing the deficit. By passing this 
motion, we will cut $26.1 billion in discretionary spending. This would 
be a small but real dent in the 4 trillion dollar national debt, a bill 
so big that every man, woman and child in America owes $17,000.
  The American people have sent a loud, clear signal for reduced 
government spending and an end to huge budget deficits. The people of 
my district are particularly concerned by the waste, fraud and abuse in 
government today. I send a questionnaire every year to survey my 
constituents' opinions on the important issues of the day. This year, 
the vast majority of people have indicated that wasteful and excessive 
government spending is their single greatest concern. How many more 
times must the American people call for cutting government before the 
big spenders in Congress get the message?
  By supporting the Kasich-Penny motion to instruct, we will cut $26 
billion directly from the deficit. This vote represents a clear 
opportunity to start bringing our financial house in order.
  Let's not miss this opportunity. A short time ago, the House defeated 
the largest and most comprehensive deficit-cutting proposal ever 
considered in the House of Representatives. I joined a number of my 
colleagues in drafting this budget plan, which contained over 500 
specific cuts and slashed over $600 billion in Federal spending. Our 
proposal would have balanced the budget in 5 years without reducing 
Social Security, cutting earned veteran's benefits, gutting defense or 
raising taxes. Yet the House of Representatives voted it down.
  More recently, Congress had another opportunity to reduce government 
spending with the balanced budget amendment. As in the past, I 
supported it, but a majority of Congress did not. And another chance at 
putting our country's finances in order was lost.
  We can't afford to continue down this path. The vote today to cut $26 
billion is the last chance for Congress to cut the deficit this year. 
Any further cuts Congress makes in the fiscal year 1995 budget can be 
used on other spending programs and not to reduce our deficit.
  Remember, our national debt is getting bigger by the hour. By this 
time tomorrow, it will be nearly a billion dollars more than it is 
right now. Government spending is completely out of control. Congress 
simply can't continue to spend beyond its means.
  The American people will no longer tolerate representatives that 
ignore their calls for reduced government spending. Today's vote to 
slash $26 billion from the budget should be the first step towards 
Congress' return to fiscal sanity.
  I call upon my colleagues to act responsibly. By passing this motion 
and pulling the reins on reckless deficit spending, we will help 
guarantee a brighter future for us and our children for generations to 
come. Join me in supporting the Kasich/Penny/Stenholm motion to 
instruct conferees. Let's take advantage of this great opportunity to 
take control of government spending.

                          ____________________