[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CLOSING THE BOOKS ON AMERICORPS WILL START THE BALANCED BUDGET PROCESS

  (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, the Senate has defeated the balanced budget. 
We have heard repeatedly from the party of big government, the 
opponents of the balanced budget, that we do not need to amend the 
Constitution to balance the budget. We can do it right now.
  I say it is time to put our money where our mouths are. Let us get 
started. Today I am introducing legislation to eliminate the 
President's AmeriCorps program, the largest Government service program 
since the 1930's. AmeriCorps spends $400 million a year to pay 
volunteers, which is a paradox in terms and, in many cases, for them 
just to serve as low-level Federal bureaucrats.

                              {time}  1030

  The GAO has reported the average AmeriCorps paid volunteer receives 
$26,000 a year in compensation. This program makes politicians feel 
good and lets us talk about our high-minded ideals.
  I pose this simple question: Is this program so important that we 
want to borrow the money against our children's future to pay for the 
program?
  We have heard much talk about balancing the budget and the President 
has even said in this Chamber that the era of big government is over. 
Let us help him to fulfill his proclamation. Talk will not balance the 
budget, but spending less will. Let us start by closing the books on 
AmeriCorps.

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