March 25, 1987

Q. Mr. President, the Democrats say the Republicans are stonewalling the budget process. They won't participate. Are the Republicans refusing to participate in the budget process?

The President. Sam [Sam Donaldson, ABC News], the Republicans, for all the 6 years that I've been here, every year, have offered a sound, solid budget; and the Democrats come back with a continuing resolution. And they haven't given us a budget yet.

Q. Will there be one this year, or will there be a continuing resolution this year? Will you get one this year, or will it be another continuing resolution?

The President. I'm still trying. It's a good budget. It meets the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings terms. And the Democrats have refused to present a budget of their own.

Q. They want taxes, new taxes.

The President. I know. They're not going to get those either. Nice talking to you.

Q. Thanks a lot.

Q. If I could think of a question on Iran -- I can't think of one. [Laughter]

Note: The exchange began at 10:16 a.m. in the Rotunda at the Cannon House Office Building, prior to a meeting with Republican members of the budget conference committee.

Date
03/25/1987