Balance the Budget

Statement

The challenges and difficulties we're experiencing as a nation have caused many Arkansans to ask "what can I do?' One of the most effective ways to change the course of our future is to get involved and make your voice heard. People in Arkansas and throughout America are participating in our representative democracy more than ever. Like many of you, I'm concerned about the bills signed by President Obama and his policies that are chipping away at our constitutional rights in the name of "helping our economy."

Our lack of fiscally sound policies is one of the primary reasons we are facing economic hardships. Arkansas is in far better shape than many states because it passed a balanced budget amendment to the state constitution. This amendment requires our state to balance the books and not overspend money it doesn't have. I believe the federal government needs to follow Arkansas' lead.

Washington came close to passing a similar amendment 15 years ago. In 1995, a balanced budget amendment passed the House of Representatives, but failed by one vote in the Senate. Imagine how different the state of our nation would be today had one more Senator supported this amendment.

I believe a balanced budget amendment is a crucial step to bringing fiscal responsibility to the federal government which is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.J.Res.1. This legislation, introduced by Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), proposes a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and has 174 bipartisan cosponsors.

thumbnailWhen times are tough and money is tight, most of us must make tough choices and cut back on our spending. Washington needs to do the same thing. We can't continue this unaffordable level of spending, but instead of curbing such practices at a time when we need it most, the Majority continues to support policies and pass legislation that continue this habit of fiscal irresponsibility. We cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity. The runaway government spending in the past few months is only placing future burdens on our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Earlier this month, Erskine Bowles, co-chairman of President Obama's Debt Commission said our national "debt is like a cancer" that will harm our nation's long term prosperity. His remarks echo those of Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said "the biggest threat we have to our national security is the debt."

The bottom line is Washington needs to cut spending and make tough decisions to create a prosperous future for our country.

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