I’m also certain you join me in saying:  Let’s help ensure our future of prosperity by giving the President a tool that, though I will not get to use it, is one I know future Presidents of either party must have.  Give the President the same authority that 43 Governors use in their States:  the right to reach into massive appropriation bills, pare away the waste, and enforce budget discipline.  Let’s approve the line-item veto.

And let’s take a partial step in this direction.  Most of you in this Chamber didn’t know what was in this catchall bill and report.  Over the past few weeks, we’ve all learned what was tucked away behind a little comma here and there.  For example, there’s millions for items such as cranberry research, blueberry research, the study of crawfish, and the commercialization of wildflowers.  And that’s not to mention the five or so million ($.5 million) that—­so that people from developing nations could come here to watch Congress at work.  I won’t even touch that.  So, tonight I offer you this challenge.  In 30 days I will send back to you those items as rescissions, which if I had the authority to line them out I would do so.

Now, review this multibillion-dollar package that will not undercut our bipartisan budget agreement.  As a matter of fact, if adopted, it will improve our deficit reduction goals.  And what an example we can set, that we’re serious about getting our financial accounts in order.  By acting and approving this plan, you have the opportunity to override a congressional process that is out of control.

There is another vital reform.  Yes, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings has been profoundly helpful, but let us take its goal of a balanced budget and make it permanent.  Let us do now what so many States do to hold down spending and what 32 State legislatures have asked us to do.  Let us heed the wishes of an overwhelming plurality of Americans and pass a constitutional amendment that mandates a balanced budget and forces the Federal Government to live within its means.  Reform of the budget process—­including the line-item veto and balanced budget amendment—­will, together with real restraint on government spending, prevent the Federal budget from ever again ravaging the family budget.

Let’s ensure that the Federal Government never again legislates against the family and the home.  Last September 1 signed an Executive order on the family requiring that every department and agency review its activities in light of seven standards designed to promote and not harm the family.  But let us make certain that the family is always at the center of the public policy process not just in this administration but in all future administrations.  It’s time for Congress to consider, at the beginning, a statement of the impact that legislation will have on the basic unit of American society, the family.