[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H8604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRESS MUST BALANCE THE BUDGET AND STRENGTHEN MEDICARE

  (Mr. ALLARD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, in the next few weeks, after decades of 
fiscal irresponsibility, Congress will at last face up to its 
fundamental duty to balance the Federal budget. Not since 1969 have 
Federal expenses matched Federal revenues. Since then, we have compiled 
a national debt that bears down on our economy like a lead weight, the 
new Republican Congress is owning up to its commitment to balance the 
budget as a matter of moral obligation to future generations.
  In addition, we are serious about saving the Medicare system. This is 
not a partisan issue--the President's own Cabinet Secretaries tell us 
the system is going bankrupt. Republicans find that unacceptable, Mr. 
Speaker, and our plan will strengthen and preserve Medicare for the 
sake of America's seniors.
  Years ago, Ronald Reagan asked, ``If not us, who? If not now, when?'' 
Mr. Reagan's questions still resonate today. For the sake of our 
children and our parents, we will balance the budget and strengthen 
Medicare.

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