As House members prepare to leave town for the August recess, House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, today reaffirmed his commitment to pass a large tax-cut plan when Congress returns in September.
"We are making a decision to do what I've said we are going to do," Armey told reporters, adding that House GOP leaders want as much as $700 billion of the surplus over 10 years to go to Social Security, with the rest returned to the American people.
"It's a fact that we have to deal with the budget surplus," Armey said. However, he added that there is no clear legislative vehicle prepared to enact that tax cut.
On another money issue, Armey warned President Clinton not to force Congress to the brink of a federal shutdown by vetoing several appropriations bills. He said people will blame the president for any shutdown that might occur.
"I just don't think the President is being very realistic about what the American people will stand for," he said. He said Clinton should not count on a so-called shutdown strategy working, with the Republicans being blamed for the crisis.
"I think the President would be taking a reckless move if he counts on the American people not understanding," Armey said. Armey also said Clinton may be seeking to change the subject during the fall, but declined to elaborate on that comment.
Armey said Republicans are still trying to find a way to bring the fiscal 1999 Labor-HHS appropriations bill to the floor, saying one issue remains before the House can consider a rule on the bill. House Republican moderates have been seeking the opportunity to offer a substitute amendment to the bill's provision that would require parental notification before a teenager can receive family planning services at a federally financed facility.
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