In 1995, the House of Representatives passed the first balanced budget in thirty years and ushered in the first budget surplus in forty years.  The balanced budget amendment signified a turning point in American government in which lawmakers committed to control federal spending by approving budgets that were truly reflective of the needs of all Americans.

When Congressman Hefley was elected to Congress in 1986, he arrived in Washington with the goal of balancing the federal budget.  For too long, he watched the federal government overspend taxpayers' dollars and create a bulging deficit.  Today, as a nine-term Congressman, Hefley continues to fight for a balanced budget and a smaller, more efficient government.  He works to eliminate budget gimmicks that allow federal bureaucrats to wastefully spend taxpayers' hard-earned money.  He issues a "Porker of the Week" Award to highlight the most egregious examples of federal waste, abuse and mismanagement.  Congressman Hefley believes America's prosperity hinges on financially-responsible balanced budgets that will protect the financial health of future generations of Americans.