Neil Abercrombie

Mr. ABERCROMBIE

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Would the gentleman further agree, for the enlightenment of those who may be listening in or observing our proceedings and trying to very sincerely take into account the implications of the balanced budget, that in their own local districts, in their own local areas, that over the years, whether through revenue- sharing programs or grant programs, demonstration programs.

Mr. ABERCROMBIE

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Is it a correct assumption that if they have not paid any of the debt that you have mentioned so far and are unable to pay anything on that which we are going to advance them, that they will be combined and the taxpayers in America will have to take up all of that obligation?

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Would the gentlewoman characterize the reaction perhaps in her district as I find in my district, that people are under the impression that we may be giving this money to the Mexican Government? And would it be a fair characterization to say we may in fact be doing exactly that, because if they default, won't we in fact be giving it to them by taking it from our own people?

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. I thank the gentlewoman.

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Would the gentlewoman kindly explain what that means, if we become their insurance company? What obligation does the taxpayer in America have if there is a default by the Mexican oligarchy?