[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 179 (Monday, November 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2170-E2171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              DEBT CEILING

                                 ______


                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 1995

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, last week on this floor I 
wanted the Congress to enact a clean debt ceiling extension; we failed 
to do it. We did not act responsibly.
  Once again, we have a chance to enact legislation. Instead, we are 
voting on a motion 

[[Page E 2171]]
that is unnecessary and totally irresponsible. We are trying to avert 
the normal legislative process.
  We should not delay action on this issue. It is our responsibility to 
take action and we must do it now. This motion is nothing more than 
Congress ducking its responsibility and losing its credibility.
  We have to face the debt issue head on and not hide. This motion 
would place the burden solely on the shoulders of the administration. 
This motion would make Secretary Rubin take desperate action to keep us 
from facing a default.
  Our credit rating has been placed on a credit rating watch for the 
first time ever and we can not sit idly for 30 days. Last week, on the 
floor we heard over and over that trust funds especially Social 
Security would be at risk. Well this motion does the opposite. It would 
require Treasury to use the trust funds.
  Let's stop this now and act responsibly. Americans are sick and tired 
of this game of chicken. It is time for us to take the high road and 
send the President a clean debt ceiling extension.
  Unfortunately due to a delay in my flight, I missed the vote on this 
motion. If I was present, I would have voted ``no.''

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