[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 24, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONTRACT WITH AMERICA DOES NOT ADD UP

  (Mr. TORRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, much ado has been made about the Republican 
Contract With America, especially the pie in the sky balanced budget 
amendment.
  This publicity stunt demonstrates the mastery of soundbites by 
Republicans. But it is obvious that they are not masters of another 
area, and, that is, arithmetic. The contract just does not add up.
  When the Republicans led the minority party, they had noting to lose. 
They could proposes all sorts of empty, feel-good reforms because 
everybody knew they would not pass in this House. Even the great 
Houdini cannot cut taxes, increase defense spending, and balance the 
budget all at the same time.
  But now you have the responsibility, my friends, to lead as the new 
majority. The bottom line on the budget is not whether you support it 
but how do you achieve it.
  Mr. Speaker, President Clinton and the Democrats have worked hard to 
make the tough choices to cut the deficit and worked toward a balanced 
budget, all without a Republican vote.
  Let us govern with integrity, not with gimmicks and soundbites.

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