[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             THE RIGHT ROAD

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 1995
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, today we begin an historic journey. For the 
first time in a generation, we will lay out a road map toward a 
balanced budget. Americans understand this is a trip we all must take. 
If we fail in this mission, frankly, this country is through. I mean we 
are headed the way of Mexico into economic collapse.
  The Nation is currently $5 trillion in debt spiraling toward a debt 
of $8 trillion by 2010. We spend almost half of our budget on interest 
alone--half. Soon we will spend more on the interest on the debt than 
anything else--including entitlements and defense combined. The 
American dream is starting to evolve into the American nightmare.
  For a nation that prides itself on leaving a better country for our 
children, we are instead leaving a legacy of fiscal and moral 
bankruptcy. Some of you may know that I have a relatively large 
family--seven children and, as of a couple of weeks ago, 31 
grandchildren.
  Since I began my service in Congress, I have always measured 
everything I do by one standard--what legacy am I leaving to them and 
to our Nation's children and grandchildren?
  Washington's lack of discipline is crushing our opportunity and 
leaving our children with a devastating debt. We cannot continue down 
this destructive path.
  In fact, my new grandchild, born just a couple of weeks ago, will pay 
nearly $200,000 over her lifetime. I cannot leave this legacy to her, 
and I am sure most Americans do not want to leave this legacy to their 
children and grandchildren. People outside Washington know this and 
have asked us to lead them down a new road--toward a balanced budget. I 
say, let's get going.


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