Westmoreland Votes No on Clinton Birthplace Designation
Westmoreland Votes No on Clinton Birthplace Designation
March 9, 2006
(Washington, DC) -- U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland voted against legislation on Wednesday to designate the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home in Hope, Ark., as a National Historic Site and unit of the National Park System. Westmoreland was one of only 12 "no" votes in the House; 409 voted in favor.
"At a time when we're running massive deficits, waging a war, rebuilding the Gulf Coast and facing gigantic shortfalls in our entitlement programs, I don't think the federal government needs to be taking on new responsibilities," Westmoreland said. "The Interior Department doesn't need to go looking for more land to acquire; it needs to look at what it can get RID of.
"President Clinton says we don't need tax cuts for wealthy people such as him. Well, if he has spare money, maybe he can help the taxpayers out by fully funding the maintenance to keep his birthplace open to the public. He could also solicit donations. There are many options in the private sector that would avoid adding another obligation on taxpayers."
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the costs of preparing and operating the site as a unit of the National Park System would be approximately $1 million each year.
"In the federal budget, of course, $1 million doesn't seem like much," Westmoreland said. "But we have to draw a line in the sand on government growth."
Also on Wednesday, Westmoreland signed on to the Republican Study Committee's budget proposal, which would dramatically reduce the budget deficit.
"Runaway spending, crushing debt, and a looming disaster with our entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security leave us with few responsible options," Westmoreland said at the RSC news conference. "In a world of tough choices, we can raise the price of the buffet or we can curb our appetites. With our waistlines bulging, the choice is clear: We must go on a spending diet until our pants fit again."
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga08_westmoreland/clintonhome0309.html