[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 173 (Thursday, December 13, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H10060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  WE MUST PRIORITIZE SPENDING TO AVOID LEAVING A BIGGER DEBT FOR OUR 
                                CHILDREN

  (Mr. SMITH of Michigan asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, this is a great opportunity for 
me to talk about spending because one of this body's most capable 
chairmen of the Committee on Appropriations, Bill Young, is here before 
us. I see a great challenge facing us next year. With revenues down and 
spending for the aftermath of Sept. 11 up, it is going to be a 
challenge to hold the line on a budget. Increasing our debt means that 
we are leaving a larger mortgage to our kids and our grandkids.
  With any emergency, whether a business, or a family, or a government, 
we should start prioritizing. The family or business would reduce 
unnecessary spending so as to have money for the emergency.
  Here in Washington we should look at some less-important expenditures 
of the Federal Government or those that can be delayed. Use the money 
saved for the important things Congress should do to help strengthen 
the economy and fight the war on terror.
  Mr. Speaker, I would conclude by reporting that our current debt is 
$5.879 trillion; our debt limit is $5.95 trillion. If we do not 
prioritize, we are going to be increasing our debt and leaving a 
greater burden for our kids.

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