[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDATIONS TO PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS FOR COMING TOGETHER ON BALANCED 
                              BUDGET PLAN

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again commend the leaders 
of Congress and the President for coming together on a consensus to 
balance the budget and to encourage them to keep up the work. This 
issue is too important to allow it to be sidetracked.
  Although a lot of discussion here in Washington is about deficit 
reductions and long-term economic impacts, I have found many of my 
constituents and many Americans would like to know how the balanced 
budget plan affects them and their families. To these people I would 
say that the balanced budget agreement will have tremendous benefits to 
them, their families and generations to come.
  Experts have predicted a balanced Federal budget will help to lower 
the interest rates in our country and our economy. Having lower 
interest rates means paying off our credit cards, buying a car, funding 
education, or buying a home becomes more affordable. A balanced budget 
means all Americans are one step closer to making these investments.
  By placing the American dream within the reach of every American 
without creating more expensive government programs, we will bring our 
friends, families and communities closer. In short, Mr. Speaker, I want 
each and every one of my constituents in Illinois and every American to 
know that the balanced budget plan of 1997 benefits all Americans and 
helps all Americans to help themselves, which is truly the basis upon 
which our country was founded.

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