(Washington) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves voted for a Constitutional Amendment today that would require the federal government to spend only as much money as it receives in revenue.

“Its a common sense way to get Washington overspending in check,” said Graves. “Last year we spent $1.3 trillion more than we had. We have to say enough with the over-spending and make the tough choices required to balance the budget.” 

The Amendment would have required a balanced budget unless 3/5thsof lawmakers vote to spend more. It also would have required the votes of 3/5ths of lawmakers to increase the debt ceiling. Already 49 of the 50 states, including Missouri, have a balanced budget requirement. Since 1960, the federal budget has only been balanced 6 times.

“Americans do not spend more than they make and Congress shouldn’t either,” said Graves. “I don’t understand why anyone would want to borrow more money from China to fund our oversized bureaucracy.”

Earlier this week, the Treasury Department announced that the country is now $15 Trillion in debt. The federal government currently borrows 42 cents out of every dollar it spends. 

The amendment failed to get the two-third necessary for a Constitutional Amendment with a vote of 261 - 165.  The Senate will take up its own balanced budget amendment which would also need the approval of 2/3^rd of both chambers and to be ratified by 38 of the 50 states to become a part of the Constitution.

# # #