[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H11688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE 105TH CONGRESS

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, as we end the 105th Congress, I think it is 
very important to understand that for the first time in a generation, 
Congress is about to adjourn with a budget surplus. When Republicans 
took control of this body, such an achievement would have seemed 
impossible. But for the first time in 16 years, this Congress gave the 
American people a tax cut. One could only wonder if tax cuts would have 
become a reality had the Republicans not taken control.
  Through the Tax Code Termination Act, this Republican-led Congress 
gave a promise to the American public that we will develop a fair, 
simpler and more honest tax system. It was this Republican-led Congress 
that provided a more accountable Internal Revenue Service which now 
places the burden of proof on the IRS rather than on the taxpayer in 
tax disputes.
  Furthermore, this body made a promise to our Nation's seniors, and we 
are working to save and secure Social Security well into the future. So 
when my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to tell us that 
this is a do-nothing Congress, know that they are right. We did nothing 
to fulfill their agenda. We did not raise taxes, we did not increase 
budgetary red ink, and we did not ignore IRS abuses. Along with the 
American people I am proud that we did not follow the liberals and 
their 40-year controlled agenda of tax hikes and bigger government.

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