[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H6975-H6976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         COST OF GOVERNMENT DAY

  (Mr. DeLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the celebration of our 
Nation's independence, let us reflect on one of the lines in the 
Declaration of Independence.

[[Page H6976]]

  Referring to the repeated injuries and usurpations inflicted upon 
them by the King of England, Jefferson wrote:

       He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither 
     swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their 
     substance.

  Sadly and outrageously, Mr. Speaker, this describes the way many 
Americans feel about the enormous size, intrusiveness and cost of 
Government today.
  That is why I am introducing a sense-of-the-Congress resolution today 
to highlight cost of Government day, which this year is coincidentally 
1 day before Independence Day. That is right, Mr. Speaker, according to 
Americans for Tax Reform, from January 1 through July 3 this year, 
Americans are working to pay for Government spending at all levels plus 
the cost of regulations.
  One hundred eighty-four days to pay for Government and regulations 
and 181 days to pay for the things they and their families really need. 
This situation, my colleagues, has gotten ridiculous. Maybe it is time 
for a new Declaration of Independence, Mr. Speaker.

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