Charlie Norwood

Mr. NORWOOD

Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to welcome some young people from my district from the Athens Academy in Georgia who are here in the gallery. I rise today in support of the balanced budget amendment for young people just like these folks here and young people across the Nation, and my granddaughter.

Mr. NORWOOD

Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act. I rise today to argue that the time has come for us to reign in the unfunded mandates and the misguided notion under which they operate. By voting for this bill, we can show the American people that we mean business by reducing the dictatorial power that Congress has exercised over the States through unfunded mandates. I think we should take a moment to consider the idea of the unfunded mandate. In essence, with an unfunded mandate, the Federal Government goes to State and local governments and says you must do this, and you must pay for it yourself. How incredibly arrogant. How did this Government grow so arrogant as to pass such dictates onto the States? We can not wisely set the priorities for spending the limited funds a county has to operate with. We should not try to micromanage 159 Georgia counties. If we are going to dictate to the States, we must also have the guts to raise the taxes that pay for the dictates or mandates--not pass that responsibility onto State and county officials. If the Federal Government cannot afford these programs, the programs should be passed onto the States as strong suggestions--not unfunded mandates. But we all know that there is more to the arguments against this bill than fear of cutting certain Federal programs. Underneath all that they say is a simple refrain--a tired, failed, liberal refrain--that says to the people we are the Federal Government, we know what is best for you, we are the Federal Government, we must take care of you. Why? Because you can't take care of yourself. What made us so smart? Do we really believe we want clean air and clean water more than the folks at home? How did we become so endowed with the knowledge of what is right and what is wrong for America? We are simply 435 men and women who won elections on November 8. We have the power to pass laws that force State action, but we should use that power in moderation. Remember the words of delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people.'' Those words should not be treated lightly. The goal of the 10th amendment was to limit the powers of the Federal Government. Could we have moved any farther away from the intent of the 10th amendment than with unfunded mandates? We should be searching for ways to return control to the States and local governments. But when we must use our power to write laws that will force State action, we most certainly should pay for it. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act is the first important step toward reevaluating what Congress should do. It will put us in a position to reconsider the value of some of the dictates that have been passed onto State and local governments already. Maybe it is a good idea for Sheriff Berry of Oconee County, GA, to have to devote one of his few officers to stake out convenience stores in an effort to stop youngsters from buying cigarettes. Maybe Columbia County, GA, should have to meet such rigorous standards in their landfill that it makes the cost per acre go up by 1,000 percent. Maybe these unfunded mandates are good for the people, but can they afford all of our good ideas? But when the sheriff has to cut back patrols in certain areas of his county to meet a Federal mandate, or local property taxes go up to pay for landfill improvements because of a Federal mandate, do we not have a responsibility for our actions? The bottom line is that one word--responsibility. Mr. Speaker, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act will make Congress take responsibility for its actions. If we see fit to force the States to act, then we must bear the responsibility of paying for that action. This act forces Congress to make the hard choices that have been too easily avoided. This act will provide much needed relief to State and local governments. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, and return responsibility to Congress.

Mr. NORWOOD

Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that this body's ability to tax and spend be limited. I have heard from my constituents back home and they heartily approve of the new rule of the House which requires a 60-percent super majority to enact any Federal tax increase on U.S. citizens. The Barrow County Republican Party has adopted a resolution which expresses support for this new rule in the House. It is stated below: Whereas on this date of January 16, 1995 the Barrow County Republican Party at it's stated meeting on the above date, and in full accord conclude that the United States Government through taxation and regulations, has far exceeded any power granted to it by the United States Constitution, and the people of this great Nation. And, whereas it appears to these Members of this body, that an amendment to regulate the tax and spend policies of the United States Government in such a way as to restrict the Government in the adoption of its policies of taxation on income, the ownership of personal property such as real estate, or any other personal possessions which may rightfully owned by an American citizen. And, be it therefore resolved by the Barrow County Republican Party at this meeting that tenth district Congressman Charlie Norwood, and that United States Senator Paul Coverdell and, United States Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia be petitioned by this body to consider, and adopt the three fifth's amendment, now being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require a sixty percent super majority vote to enact any Federal tax increase on the people of the United States. This resolution being whole heartedly approved by this body, be it further enacted that this entire document be presented in support of this resolution, to be signed, and presented as directed by the officers present at this meeting. Signed, Mike Grace, Chairman. Edwin Gravitt, Vice Chairman. Randy DuBose, Secretary.

Mr. NORWOOD

Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the historic opening day of the 104th Congress was the start of a new era in American politics. A majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted to reform the House of Representatives to make it more open and more accountable to the American people. Now that we have changed the way business is done in the House, it is time to change the business that the House does, starting with a balanced budget amendment. As I traveled through my district, I listened to the people I represent tell me that Congress should direct its finances the same way as the rest of America does. The message I have heard is that families wisely live within their monthly salaries, so why does Congress continually fail to do the same? It is time for Congress to start living within its means by balancing the budget. It is time to change the business Congress does. Let us enact the balanced budget amendment now.