LEGISLATORS AGREE WITH NEED TO CUT

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson credited President Clinton with giving "a very good rhetorical speech" Wednesday, but criticized the lack of specifics in the State of the Union address.

"We didn't get the details," Emerson complained Wednesday night at the conclusion of the speech.

On the Democratic side, Congressman Glenn Poshard praised the president for leveling with the American people.

"This is a fundamental change in direction from the way this country has been going," said Poshard, who represents the Illinois 19th District.

Emerson thinks Clinton is on the right track in proposing sweeping reform of the welfare system, enterprise zones and job training initiatives, but asked, "How is this to be paid for?"

He said he favors reductions in federal spending in lieu of the tax-increase proposals Clinton outlined.

"I think the American public wants the government to restrain spending first," the Republican congressman said.

Poshard agreed that programs and spending must be reduced if the deficit is to be controlled, and said, "...We've got to put this government on a pay-as-you-go basis."

But, he added, "We also must have the courage to pay for things when they're needed."

Emerson was disappointed that Clinton did not mention the balanced budget amendment and line-item veto the he often backed during the presidential campaign.

He said Clinton should work at reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy and simplifying government regulations and programs.

"We've got more government than we can afford," he said.

Poshard said Clinton is talking about "real government reform" in his proposals, which include a requirement for lobbyists to be registered.

"One of the things we've talked about out here now for four years is getting the special interests and PACs out of this place and returning this House to the American people," Poshard said.

Clinton's energy tax proposal drew special criticism from Emerson. "How that can do anything but dampen the economic recovery I don't know," he said.

He said the speech's frequent tributes to the private sector are unconvincing in light of Clinton's intention to raise taxes on industry.

Poshard said the president showed great courage in proposing fundamental changes to the health-care system and to the way government is run. "I'm very hopeful this Congress and the American people will get behind him."