Letter: Blame Congress for national debt

Thursday, July 15, 1999 | 9:46 a.m.

Sadly, while the 2000 election is still a year and a half away, those ugly tactics are again in play. I will give only one example: blame for the national debt.

Some people tell you it is Reagan and Bush's fault. Is it? The Constitution of the United States governs all taxing and spending. Cracking open an encyclopedia, Article I lists the powers of Congress.

They include Section 8, paragraphs 1 and 2: "The Congress shall have power .... To borrow money on the credit of the United States." Section 9, paragraph 6, sentence 1: "No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriation made by law," (by Congress). Section 7, paragraph 1: "All Bills for raising revenue (taxes) shall originate in the House of Representatives."

The encyclopedia states by custom all spending bills also start in the House.

So all taxing and spending by the government is done by Congress with the House of Representatives having most control. The House was controlled by Democrats from 1954 to 1994.

What are the president's budget powers? Section 7, paragraph 2 limits his powers to only pass or veto. "If he approves he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it."

The president must pass or veto the federal budget exactly as Congress gives it to him. Nothing else.

RODNEY K. SMITH