[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H3173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BALANCING THE BUDGET IS A MATTER OF COMMON SENSE

  (Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, a lot of people when they 
hear that the country's national debt is over $5 trillion asked me how 
did we get into such a mess? Have the politicians in Washington totally 
lost their minds?
  Mr. Speaker, while I cannot comment on the mental state of Washington 
politicians, I can say a few words about passing on a $5 trillion debt 
to future generations.
  I think it is wrong. I think balancing a budget is not so much a 
spectacular achievement. Rather, I consider it a matter of common 
sense. I suppose that says a few things about how much common sense 
there has been in Washington in recent decades.
  And so while I support a balanced budget amendment, the one that 
Congress passed earlier this week, I really do not want to tire myself 
out by patting ourselves on the back. On the other hand, maybe allowing 
common sense to win the day in Washington is something to cheer about. 
Last time I checked, the budget had not been balanced since 1969.
  Mr. Speaker, I will keep some champagne ready.

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