August 4, 1982
Today I happily join millions of Americans in saluting the Senate for bringing the United States
one step closer to a constitutional amendment requiring balanced Federal budgets. Forty-seven
Republicans and 22 Democrats stood shoulder to shoulder to pass the amendment and resist
intense special interest pressure for still more red-ink spending.
I particularly want to commend the strong leadership of Senators Baker, Thurmond, Hatch, and
DeConcini.
Now it is up to the liberal leadership in the House to heed the will of the people. Americans, in
overwhelming numbers, have just one message for the House leadership: ``Let our
Representatives vote.''
The legacy of 21 unbalanced budgets in 22 years saddled us with severe problems that brought
our economy to its knees. Making government live within its means again will not be easy; it will
be very difficult. It will require a strong, sustained commitment from everyone, on both sides of
the aisle. The time for partisan politics is long gone. Let us work together, honoring the trust of
the people, so we can put this country back on track.