Like the big and growing national debt and the billions of dollars a week it takes to pay the interest on the debt. And he writes about the environment, asking elected officials what they are doing to make life a little safer for the children and the generation after that. A few of his questions and their answers are excerpted below.
Q: Some Congressmen are suggesting cutting Medicare. What is your position on this issue? (June 10, 1991)
A: Congress should not attempt to balance the budget on the backs of America's Medicare recipients. Congress is responsible for the budget deficit, yet Congress refuses to cut the fat out of its pork-laden budget.
Q: There has been talk of taking away cost of living adjustments (COLAS) for Social Security and federal retirement programs. Where do you stand? (July 6, 1992)
A: I will oppose efforts to cut COLA's in the battle against the budget deficit. Congress should not balance the budget on the backs of America's retirees. Congress is responsible for the budget deficit, and Congress will have to cut the fat out of our pork-laden budget.
Q: Regarding budget deficit, the federal government simply must learn to live with in its means. What are you doing to control the budget? (December 16, 1992.)
A: The senseless waste of billions of our tax dollars each year must end. Congress controls spending, and thus constitutes the heart of the problem. Congress must learn responsibility.
Q: to Sen. Bob Graham: Social Security benefits have come under fire by some members of Congress. What is your position on cuts in the programs? (July 23, 1992)
A: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the primary government disability programs that protect those individuals who can no longer support themselves. Only individuals faced with disabling conditions which prevent them from (working) may be eligible for benefits. ... Although I am not a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Social Security issues, be assured that I will share your concerns with my colleagues on the committee.
Q: to Vice President Al Gore: Our nation is dependent on imported foreign oil for much of our energy. What is your position on energy independence? (April 30, 1993)
A: We need to take control of our future in energy resources. President Clinton and I are committed to implementing a comprehensive energy policy for the 21st century. This policy will emphasize conservation of natural resources and energy efficiency. ... President Clinton and I strongly believe that a wide range of renewable energy sources must be thoroughly researched, developed, and promoted.
Q: to Rep. Karen Thurman: The national debt and the interest on it seems to be out of control. What can be done? (August 26, 1994)
A: I share your concerns regarding the need to address the national debt; however, I believe we must first deal with the Federal deficit in order to have any substantial impact on the national debt. ...Current estimates by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) now put the total 1994 deficit reduction at about $650 billion over five years. That is $150 billion better than (in) 1993. In 1994, we have decreased the deficit to $200 billion, as compared to $255 billion in 1993 and $290 billion in 1992. The deficit is projected to reduce to $180 billion in 1995 and to $176 billion in 1996.
Many in Congress, including myself, feel still more cuts in the federal budget can be achieved. This year (1994), the House of Representatives has cut 395 programs below last year's level and voted to terminate 36 others.