[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 13 (Monday, January 23, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

  (Miss COLLINS of Michigan asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Miss COLLINS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the 
balanced budget amendment House Journal Resolution 1. I support fiscal 
responsibility. However, I do not think an issue such as balancing the 
Federal budget should be handled too hastily. The current proposal for 
a balanced budget amendment as outlined in the Republican Contract With 
America is a knee-jerk approach to a complicated and mutlifaceted 
problem.
  For instance, if Social Security is not specifically exempted, this 
measure would allow for drastic cuts in Social Security. We must not 
forget our responsibility to provide for our Nation. To make Social 
Security subject to this measure will result in devastating results 
that will be felt in the years to come.
  During this year alone, Social Security will take in $31 billion more 
than it pays out in benefits. Social Security is not the cause of our 
national debt. To cut Social Security because it is a significant 
portion of the national budget is an easy way out for those who simply 
want to achieve their political goals by any means necessary. We should 
not put ideology before people.


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