[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 22, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SUPPORT URGED FOR TRUTH IN BUDGETING ACT

  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, as members of the freshman class, we were 
elected to restore accountability and honesty to Congress. We have a 
unique opportunity--indeed an obligation--to fulfill our promise. In 
1969, the Federal Highway Trust Fund became part of the unified Federal 
budget. Since that time, user fees/gas taxes paid by users of the 
system for the express purpose of improving and upgrading our roads and 
bridges, have been buried in the budget, masking the true size of the 
Federal deficit.
  Prior to 1969, the Federal Highway Trust Fund was an off-budget 
program. The pay-as-you-go system allowed repairs to be made as the 
money was collected. Today, a surplus has amassed at the expense of 
much needed improvements.
  H.R. 842, the Truth in Budgeting Act, seeks to restore the Federal 
Highway Trust Fund to its original off-budget status. This will put an 
end to the budget gimmick of hiding the deficit at the expense of 
motorists. I urge you to join me and nearly 140 cosponsors in 
supporting H.R. 842, a bill that answers the people's call to improve 
America's infrastructure, and to make Government fiscally responsible.
  A promise is a promise, and it is time for us to live up to ours.

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