[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S3454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE DEFEAT OF THE BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT, HYPOCRISY ON THE RECORD

  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, during the past several weeks there has been 
significant debate on one of the most fundamental issues facing America 
today. One which, frankly, divides the two parties in this country. At 
times the debate was heated. At times the debate appeared to indicate 
the balanced budget amendment would pass. But, in the last days, it 
became clear that would not be the case and the balanced budget 
amendment was defeated.
  This morning, while Republicans were trying to recover from that 
defeat, we were buoyed by the announcement that Senator Ben Nighthorse 
Campbell was switching parties, changing from Democrat to Republican.
  During the press conference this morning making that announcement, a 
question was raised by one of the reporters regarding a comment 
attributed to the minority leader of the Senate, suggesting of Senator 
Campbell, ``perhaps he should resign and run for reelection. * * *''
  I assume the minority leader made that statement because Senator 
Campbell had changed parties. I would like to suggest that perhaps the 
minority leader, Senator Daschle, should resign and run for reelection 
himself, because clearly he changed his position on an incredibly 
fundamental issue which he not only voted for in the past, but made as 
a central theme of his campaign in 1986.
  Let me quote from one of his commercials:

       The national debt. America is awash in red ink. But in 
     1979, Tom Daschle saw the damage these deficits could do to 
     our country. His first official act was to sponsor a 
     constitutional amendment to balance the budget. For seven 
     years, Tom Daschle battled party leaders and special 
     interests to cut waste and close loopholes.

  Mr. President, using the same line of reasoning and logic that was 
employed this morning by the Senate minority leader, Senator Daschle, 
perhaps he should follow his own advice. Perhaps he should resign and 
run for reelection.
  I thank the Chair and I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from 
Minnesota.


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