"What we are effectively doing, I say this to the young people of America whom my colleagues represent, is leaving our children and grandchildren the tab for fighting a war, letting them pay for the lion's share of it by simply adding it to the national debt"

John Spratt is highlighting the importance of fiscal obligation in this quote. He is explaining that when the government invests money on a war, it is not coming out of the pockets of individuals who are deciding. Instead, the expense is contributed to the nationwide debt, which will be settled by future generations. He is cautioning the young people of America that they will be the ones who will have to bear the burden of the war, which it is not fair for them to have to pay for something that they did not choose. He is advising individuals in power to be mindful of the consequences of their choices and to consider the future generations when making choices about war.