October 11, 1978
Page 35497
Mr. MUSKIE. I think it appropriate to record the consistent and steadfast support that the distinguished Senator from Illinois has given not only in development of the Budget Act but also in its implementation.
I think the Senator suggested a figure of 99.44 percent support. I do not know what the other 0.56 is, but in any case he has been a steadfast supporter.
I suspect that the relationship between the Budget Committee and the Senate is more of a love/hate relationship than it is one of complete harmony. But I do share the Senator's feeling that the sense of discipline is very strong in the Senate at the present time. It does focus on the Budget Committee, but I suspect it also is a reflection of the growing awareness made possible perhaps by the budget process and the perspectives that it gives, but a growing awareness on the part of the people, the Members of this body, stimulated also by citizen reaction, that there is a limitation to our resources and that we must develop a strong sense of priority. And I hope that my assessment is correct because if it is not then the budget process may be just a passing thing, attuned to current public moods, and it might fade after the mood changes. But I hope it is a permanent thing, and if it is I express my appreciation to both Senator PERCY and Senator ROTH for their support of the process.
We may have disagreed about procedural matters and that sort of thing, but in terms of the basic discipline we have had a strong commitment from the Senator's side of the aisle as well as from mine, and I want to express my appreciation for it.
I could not find the words to express my appreciation to Senator BELLMON. If I had drawn up specifications for the ranking Republican to serve with me I could not have done as well as the good Lord did in providing me, with the help of the Republican Caucus, the services
of Senator BELLMON.