[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 51 (Tuesday, May 3, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: May 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
THE A TO Z SPENDING CUTS PLAN
(Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, later this week, the House will unveil
a discharge petition on the A to Z spending cuts plan.
The leadership will try to tell you that this proposal is little more
than a three ring circus. But it is the plan's simplicity and openness
that they fear most.
Here is how simple it is: Any Member, regardless of party or
committee assignment, could propose a spending cut. The House would
debate the cut, and then vote on it. It is that straightforward and
that easy.
Most importantly, the A to Z legislation limits itself to only those
spending cuts--proposals to raise taxes are explicitly forbidden.
My colleagues should think very carefully before being swayed by the
majority's threats of chaos on the floor of the House.
The A to Z plan has the potential to end the partisan bickering over
comprehensive spending packages. With this proposal, we can help
restore the American public's faith in Congress as an institution where
individual integrity and fiscal accountability still reside.
____________________