The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“WHAT IS IT LIKE TO FIGHT FOR DEFICIT REDUCTION FROM FIRST CLASS?” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H6316 on June 27, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO FIGHT FOR DEFICIT REDUCTION FROM FIRST CLASS?
(Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, we have been working hard in the House for months to eliminate four Cabinet departments and balance the budget because we are serious about trimming the size of the Federal Government. We started with our own budget, cutting committees, cutting committee staff, and congressional mailings by a third. But we also believe it is time for the Cabinet to step up to the plate, and there is not a better place to start than the Department of Energy.
Mr. Speaker, at committee hearings Energy Secretary O'Leary tells us that she cannot find even one more dollar to cut in her department. She says she wants to reform the Department of Energy. But in next year's budget she wants an additional $337 million and $360 million for travel.
Well, the L.A. Times tells us the real story. Secretary O'Leary spends more on travel than any other member of the Clinton Cabinet. She is flying first Class at taxpayers' expense. She is staying in four-
star hotels, luxury hotels. I guess she thinks it is proper for taxpayers to foot the bill for her Robin Leach lifestyle.
My question for the Secretary is: ``What's it like to fight for deficit reduction from first class?''
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