[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 2, 1992]
[Page 879]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Republican Congressional Leaders

June 2, 1992
    The President. I really appreciate everybody coming down. And we've 
got several key issues, but one that I am most interested in getting 
through is this balanced budget amendment. I think it is critical, and I 
think it's an idea whose time has come. It's an idea that the American 
people strongly support. One of the things I want to follow up on with 
you all now is how we do that. I know we've got problems in the Senate 
that are different than the House, but we've got to get it done for the 
American people. I'm very pleased with the way our troops are moving out 
on it, but that's one of the things on my mind for this meeting.
    So let's pass a balanced budget amendment; discipline the Congress 
as well as the executive branch and everything else. We've got to get it 
done.
    Q. A lot of economists don't agree with you, like 400.
    The President. Well, the people, the American people agree with me, 
and that's what matters. So we ought to get it done and not worry about 
those who don't. It's out there, and we've got ideas up there before the 
Congress right now that would accomplish this, too.
    Q. What do you hear from the primaries?
    The President. I haven't heard anything much there, Helen [Helen 
Thomas, United Press International].

                    Note: The President spoke at 3:37 p.m. in the 
                        Cabinet Room at the White House. A tape was not 
                        available for verification of the content of 
                        these remarks.