Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to J. P., May 15, 1998

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. 2d District. Maryland COMMITTEES 3ANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Congress of ttje ®ntteb States ^ouSe of fcepregentattoeg (Kflastjington. JDC 20515-2002 May 15, 1998 Dundalk. MD 21222 14101 284-8828 Shore Professional Bldg. Dear^HHI Thank you for your communication regarding Congress’ inability to deal more effectively with President Bill Clinton. Your points are well taken. President Clinton’s skills as a communicator are well known. Moreover, many of my colleagues in Congress, fearful of the public relations consequences of attacking a popular president, are unwilling to confront President Clinton more aggressively. Be assured, however, that I have no qualms about criticizing President Clinton when I believe it is warranted, and that I will continue to speak out against the President’s missteps— both during my appearances throughout the Second Congressional District and by participating in colloquies broadcast nationally from the House floor via C-SPAN— in the future. With respect to the budget, clearly the President has benefitted politically from the balanced budget agreement. However, I disagree that Congress has not received any of the credit. Polls taken during the last year have shown that Congress’ approval ratings have reached near-historic levels. Additionally, you will be pleased to know that the House Budget Committee (on which I serve) is preparing to pass a budget which will achieve further reductions in the size and scope of the federal government. Once the American people are confronted by the choice between our reasonable budget and President Clinton’s proposed spending spree, there will be no doubt as to who the real author of the balanced budget accord was— the GOP Congress. Once again, thanks for writing. Please contact me again if I can be of assistance. Very truly yours, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress