[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 186 (Monday, November 20, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H13352-H13353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GOVERNMENT OPENS AGAIN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentlewoman from North Carolina [Mrs. Clayton] is 
recognized during morning business for 2 minutes.
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, the Government is back in business. That 
is good news.
  It is good news for millions of veterans whose benefit checks and 
claims can now be processed.
  It is good news for thousands of Medicare beneficiaries and thousands 
of head-start children who will get needed help from the Government. 
Child support cases can now be pushed. Good news.
  It is good news for law enforcement--the FBI is now fully back at 
work--it is good news for housing--mortgages can be processed and 
homeless funds can be released--and, it is good news for business and 
enterprise in America--so many of which were affected by the furloughs.
  The image of a shutdown Statue of Liberty--one of the greatest 
symbols of what this Nation stands for--was perhaps the most dramatic 
example of the danger of a Government closed down.
  It is for that reason, Mr. Speaker, that I want to applaud the 
President and all in Congress, House and Senate, Democrats and 
Republicans, who made this moment possible.
  Our leaders worked throughout the weekend, pressing forward toward 
agreement, making sure that we could avoid a second week of--half the 
Government--off the job.
  It was a proud and happy moment for me--last night, as a Member of 
Congress--when the House followed the Senate in passing the joint 
resolution which ended the impasse.
  We have agreed to work toward a balanced budget in 7 years. That is 
good news.
  I voted for the Democratic version of a 7-year balanced budget plan, 
and I believe, working together, we can achieve that important goal.
  And, most importantly--in the days and weeks ahead--we will try to 
forge a budget that not only balances our money, but one that balances 
our priorities as well. A balanced budget that considers our seniors, 
our children, farmers, and our environment. That is good news.
  Let us decide if we need a $245 billion dollar tax cut. But, if we 
cut taxes, let us cut taxes fairly.
  Let us make sure that any tax break we may enact, provides benefit to 
average Americans--those who work hard each day to make ends meet.
  And, most importantly, if we develop a tax cut program, let us make 
sure that we do so without putting in jeopardy essential social 
programs.
  I believe these goals are part of the agreement that was reached over 
the weekend. That is good news.
  Mr. Speaker, with this agreement, we have time. But, we do not have 
much time.
  As the budget of the United States has developed, we have witnessed 
the true genius of our system--a system of separation of powers--a 
system of checks and balances. Some power is given to the Congress and 
other powers are reserved for the President.
  But, in the end, this system only works when it allows the Government 
and its employees to work. The Government is back in business.
  The Statute of Liberty once again welcomes those ``yearning to 
breathe free.'' And, the spirit of this Nation--the American people--
have won a great victory. The work now begins.
  I hope we will now do what is best for the people, rather than what 
is best for our party or our politics. That is what ended the impasse. 

[[Page H 13353]]

  That is what put people back to work. That is good news.

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