Jesse Helms on Budget & Economy
Budget surplus is good, but barely reduces federal debt
Thirty years of federal deficits have taken their toll on the federal budget. Two budget �surpluses,� although a step in the right direction, will scarcely make a dent on the actual federal debt oppressing both
the government and the people. Our �gross federal debt� is inching closer and closer to a $6 trillion dollar figure! We are in a quagmire of debts. I have heard comments that we (the Congress and this Administration)
have taken steps to cut the federal deficit, but what is not being said is that the budget �surplus� has little effect on the federal debt. We have indeed managed to cut the deficit out of the equation, but the answer to the relevant
question, -- are we reducing the total federal debt at the same time, -- is NO. The surplus only cuts the debt�s rate of growth.
Source: Statement to Congress
Jun 14, 1999
Voted YES on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts.
Vote to table [kill] an amendment that would increase the amount of the budget that would be used to reduce the national debt by $75 billion over 5 year. The debt reduction would be offset by reducing the tax cut in the budget framework from $150 billion
Bill S Con Res 101
; vote number 2000-55
on Apr 5, 2000
Voted NO on 1998 GOP budget.
Approval of the 1998 GOP Budget which would cut spending and taxes.
Status: CR Agreed to Y)78; N)22
Reference: H. Con. Res. 84 as amended;
Bill H. Con. Res. 84
; vote number 1997-92
on May 23, 1997
Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment.
Approval of the balanced-budget constitutional amendment.
Status: Joint Resolution Defeated Y)66; N)34
Reference: S. J. Res. 1;
Bill S. J. Res. 1
; vote number 1997-24
on Mar 4, 1997