COSPONSOR OF H.J. RES. 1 AND H.J. RES. 2, WHICH WOULD AMEND CONSTITUTION TO PROHIBIT FEDERAL SPENDING THAT EXCEEDS TOTAL RECEIPTS 
 

Washington, Sep 9 -

– “As the federal government continues to spend more than it takes in, our nation debt is spiraling out of control, now approaching $15 trillion,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth).  “This national debt is putting us on the same fiscal course as Greece and Spain, which are facing financial insolvency.  We must take control of our own economic destiny by controlling federal spending and a Balanced Budget Amendment will force the federal government to live within its means.”

The Budget Control Act recently enacted to increase the federal debt limit also requires consideration in the House and Senate of a balanced budget amendment.  Added Stearns, “Unfortunately, it does not require adoption of the amendment by the House and Senate and then sending it to the states for ratification.  In addition, it does not alter the procedures for taking up such a measure in the Senate, and therefore the Senate might not be able to vote on passage of the amendment unless the support of 60 Senators can be secured to begin consideration.”  

The House GOP Conference has established a site where the public can comment at America Speaking Out (www.americaspeakingout.com).  The site also provides information on the balanced budget amendment and other issues.