[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [House] [Page 23103] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRATS (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to issue a challenge to my Democratic colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I would like for someone to explain to me whether it is your view that Republicans are extremists for wanting to limit spending and exercise fiscal responsibility or is it your view that Republicans are irresponsible for not exercising this fiscal responsibility? Fiscally irresponsible or extreme. Which is it? I have heard both charges repeatedly in the recent weeks; and I am curious to know, for those in the party that has been dedicated to expanding government for the past 40 years to tell me what is their idea of fiscal responsibility? I am also a bit curious to know when they think the American taxpayer should get some tax relief. After all, if one cannot make the case for tax cuts now in the face of $3 trillion budget surpluses over the next 10 years, just what would it take to convince you that tax relief is possible? I think it is clear that the party that wishes to limit the size of the Federal Government and the party which is careful with the taxpayers' money is the real party of fiscal responsibility. So which is it? Are Republicans extreme or fiscally responsible in our desire to limit Washington spending? ____________________