[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 25, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1230
                     THE BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

  (Ms. McCARTHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, as debate begins on the balanced budget 
amendment, there are two issues we need to keep in mind.
  First, the mere ratification of the balanced budget amendment will 
not balance the budget. Between ratification of the amendment and the 
year 2002--when the amendment would come into force--we will continue 
to face yearly deficits of $200 billion. That is why it is imperative 
that we stipulate how the deficit will be reduced and why we need to be 
up front with the American people and explain the detailed steps we 
will take in balancing the Nation's books.
  Second, we have to guarantee that we will not balance the budget on 
the backs of the States. Shifting spending from the Federal Government 
to State and local governments is not the answer and--despite the Rules 
Committee not placing in order my amendment on cost shifting-our State 
and local governments deserve to be protected from any such attempt to 
do so.


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