[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 95 (Monday, July 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE DEFICIT REDUCTION SAFEGUARD RESOLUTION

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                           HON. JOHN SULLIVAN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2002

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Deficit 
Reduction Safeguard Resolution. The House Deficit Reduction Safeguard 
Resolution will allow Members of Congress to reduce the federal deficit 
by crediting money to the Deficit Reduction Safeguard Balance.
  Under current budget and House Rules, when a Member offers an 
amendment to reduce spending the money saved is left on the table and 
available for someone else to spend on another program. Members are not 
allowed to offer amendments and direct the savings to deficit 
reduction. As a result, there is little incentive to reduce wasteful 
spending in order to reduce the deficit.
  The Deficit Reduction Safeguard Balance would correct this problem by 
amending House Rules to permit a Member to dedicate the money saved 
from any amendment to be dedicated to reducing the deficit. The Deficit 
Reduction Safeguard Balance only amends House Rules. It does not 
require approval by the Senate. This Resolution applies to both 
mandatory and discretionary spending. We have maxed out Uncle Sam's 
credit card and until we pay down the debt it is shortsighted for us to 
continue spending without restraint.
  This Resolution is about honesty with the American public. A dollar 
saved should actually be a dollar saved, not a dollar added to another 
program. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this Resolution.

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