[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6047-S6048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   BUDGET RECONCILIATION LEGISLATION

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today the Budget Committee is 
scheduled to report out the budget reconciliation spending bill. 
Unfortunately, I was unable to be present for the final vote, but had I 
been here I would have voted ``aye.''
  Several months ago I made a commitment to the graduating class at 
North Seattle Community College that I would be honored to be their 
1997 commencement speaker. This commitment was extremely important to 
me and the graduating class, I simply could not back out at the last 
minute. Today's Budget Committee mark up was not finalized until last 
night.
  I am extremely troubled by some of the provisions within the 
reconciliation package as I believe that they violate the bipartisan 
balanced budget agreement that was recently adopted. I am also 
disappointed that the committee will not have final legislative 
language and final CBO numbers on parts of the Finance Committee 
sections. It is difficult to understand why the leadership is in such a 
rush to complete action on major changes to Medicare and Medicaid. This 
rush to bring this bill to the floor does jeopardize our efforts to 
enact a balanced budget.
  As we all know the Budget Committee cannot amend the reconciliation 
legislation. This will be done on the floor next week. At that time I 
will be supporting amendments that ensure this package is in compliance 
with the agreement and that it does not violate our commitment to our 
Nation's senior citizens and our children. We must seize on this unique 
opportunity to balance the budget, reform Medicare and expand health 
benefits for children. Unfortunately, as it stands now it does not 
appear that the current reconciliation language will achieve these 
goals.

[[Page S6048]]

  Today's action by the Budget Committee is an important step in the 
process which is why I would have voted to report the measure to the 
full Senate. This does not mean that the package is one I will support 
when it reaches the floor. I am simply acting to move us closer to 
achieving a balanced budget.
  I am disappointed that this legislation does violate the agreement 
that we worked so hard to achieve. But, I am hopeful that significant 
improvements will be made on the floor and that we can sent to the 
President a bill that he can sign.

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