[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS, FISCAL YEAR 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, November 18, 1995

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the continuing 
resolution before us this evening. I am deeply gratified that the 
majority leadership and the President were finally able to reach a 
mutually acceptable agreement and reopen the doors of Government. By 
returning Federal workers to their jobs, both sides have demonstrated 
their determination to put the good of the American people above both 
minor political and major philosophical differences. I applaud the work 
of the leadership, but now, we must roll up our sleeves and get down to 
work closing the gap between the priorities of both the Democratic and 
Republican Parties. And priorities is what this entire debate has been 
about. We on the Democratic side of the isle have said many times that 
we are in favor of a balanced budget and I personally have voted for 
one. However, along with this desire for a zero deficit, I also have a 
fundamental set of beliefs and principles which I can not abandon. 
Throughout, it has been above all else, for me, a question of getting 
the fairest budget possible for the working men and women of this 
country. It is imperative that we pass a plan that is both fiscally 
responsible and socially accountable. It must address the needs of 
those very families and individuals who voted for each and every Member 
of this House of Representatives. The immediate crisis has passed, but 
we can not rest for there is yet a long road to travel before our work 
is done and the President has signed all 13 appropriations bills. Only 
after that is done and the motor of the Federal Government returned to 
full throttle, should we contemplate resting. I look forward to working 
with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make our Federal 
Government more effective and efficient.