[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN SUPPORT OF THE BALANCED BUDGET ACT (H.R. 2015)

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Balanced 
Budget Act. Before I begin, I want to commend Speaker Gingrich, 
Chairman Kasich, and even President Clinton for their hard work on this 
historic legislation.
  For too many years Congress has made broken promises and half-hearted 
attempts to balance the Federal budget. With a national debt in excess 
of $5 trillion, we cannot wait another day.
  I am committed to enacting a balanced budget for the sake of our 
children and their future.
  This Balanced Budget Act is a giant step forward. It begins to scale 
back the size and scope of Government, ensuring our children the 
ability to invest in their future rather than paying our bills. By 
balancing the budget in a real and credible way, we have ensured that 
the real winners in this agreement are not politicians in Washington 
but working Americans across the country.
  When I decided to run for Congress, my message was simple, the 
Federal Government must learn to exercise the same fiscal restraints 
that families and businesses operate under each and every day.
  The Balanced Budget Act will once and for all put an end to the 
reckless spending of the past. By reigning in excessive and 
irresponsible Government spending we can pass along the savings to the 
American people.
  The economic rewards of a balanced budget include, lower interest 
rates, a healthier and promising economy full of opportunities for our 
children and grandchildren, a sound Medicare system, and more money 
left in working Americans' pockets.
  By holding Government programs accountable and forcing Government to 
live within its means--as Alabama families and businesses do--we are 
able to deliver a smaller and smarter Government that works for the 
people, instead of forcing Americans to work for Washington.
  Mr. Speaker, a balanced budget is not about numbers, its about people 
and families. Most important, its about our moral obligation to stop 
robbing future generations of the opportunities and prosperity they 
deserve.
  It is irresponsible for us to keep passing our burdens onto our 
children. The time has come for Congress to represent the will of the 
people and take responsibility for balancing our Federal budget.
  The Balanced Budget Act achieves fiscal responsibility the right way. 
By protecting seniors, providing health care for children, and ensuring 
veterans benefits. We have proven that we can balance the Federal 
budget without harming the most vulnerable in society.
  This historic legislation will enable us to provide needed tax relief 
to working families, save Medicare from bankruptcy, and restore power, 
money, and influence back to the people.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

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