[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 4 (Monday, January 9, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WEEK TWO--THE BALANCED BUDGET

  (Mr. BARR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, last week was a great and important beginning 
to a new way of doing the people's business in Washington. In a 
recordbreaking first day of the session, we demonstrated that unlike 
the politicians who merely talk the talk, we walk the walk. We have put 
the brakes on the tax raisers, cut committees and staff, and taken the 
steps necessary to bring this House under the same laws that govern the 
conduct of the citizens who sent us here. For the first time in 
decades, this House is being brought into order.
  Now, Mr. Speaker, we must set to work immediately to bring the 
Government's fiscal house in order. Our Nation suffers under a 
multitrillion-dollar debt. Each and every dollar of that debt had its 
source in this House, which under the Constitution is the only body 
authorized to initiate spending bills. The interest to finance this 
public debt approaches $250 billion each year, which is enough to fund 
the entire current defense budget of the country.
  This fiscal irresponsibility is about to stop, Mr. Speaker. The 
balanced budget amendment, which is a critical provision of the 
Contract With America, will be taken up by this body shortly. There is 
not a moment to lose in doing all we can to assure its swift 
consideration and passage. Our future, and, more important, the future 
of our children and grandchildren, depend upon our ability to deliver 
on this promise to America.

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