[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




URGING PASSAGE OF BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT WITH THREE-FIFTHS PROVISION

  (Mr. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, on November 8, the American people sent 
Washington a message that the Federal Government is too big, too 
powerful, and spends too much money.
  That is why they overwhelmingly support a balanced budget amendment.
  But not just any amendment.
  The American people want an amendment that makes it more difficult to 
raise taxes and forces Congress to make tough spending decisions.
  That is why it is imperative that the balanced budget amendment 
include strong taxpayer protection.
  The three-fifths provision does just that.
  It requires not just a simple majority, but a three-fifths 
supermajority to raise taxes.
  If we do not ensure the inclusion of the three-fifths provision in a 
balanced budget amendment, then we are giving this body license to 
continue its cycle of wasteful spending and irresponsible tax 
increases.
  Mr. Speaker, I want the Government's license revoked.
  We must empower people, not Government. Passage of the balanced 
budget amendment with the three-fifths provision is the first step in 
the right direction.


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