[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H6433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE REPUBLICAN BUDGET DOES NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES OF MIDDLE AMERICA

  (Mr. MINGE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, despite the heated rhetoric surrounding the 
budget debate, the Republican budget passed last week. It will 
tragically increase the deficit from $130 billion to $153 billion. Just 
when most of us who are deeply committed to deficit reduction thought 
that we had the opportunity to address the budget in a forthright 
manner, we have been duped. If we have learned anything about the 
tragic budget debate of last year, we have learned that if it is going 
to succeed, the design and the details of the budget must reflect the 
priorities of modern Americans.
  Middle America wants to see the deficit decreased. Middle America 
does not want to see education and health care programs cut while 
defense spending increases. Middle Americans are willing to share in 
the sacrifice necessary to balance the budget. Yes, most support tax 
cuts. So do I. However, we should not borrow money temporarily to pay 
for a tax cut if we are sacrificing the future of our children and 
grandchildren. We must be willing to set our priorities straight and 
make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget.

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