Ayotte Votes to Advance Balanced Budget Amendment

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) voted this evening to pass a resolution expressing Senate support for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. Although 58 senators voted to approve the measure, it fell short of passage by two votes (58-40).

"A Balanced Budget Amendment is essential to getting America's fiscal house in order," said Ayotte. "New Hampshire families balance their family budget, and Washington must be required to do the same. With over $14 trillion in debt, our country's fiscal crisis requires immediate action. With 58 senators voting for this measure, momentum for a Balanced Budget Amendment is building. I will continue the fight to pass this critical budget discipline tool."

The resolution Ayotte voted to approve stated, "It is the sense of the Senate that Congress should pass and the States should agree to an amendment to the Constitution requiring a Federal balanced budget." The measure, offered by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), was offered as an amendment to patent reform legislation and needed 60 votes for passage.

Ayotte is a strong supporter of an amendment to the Constitution that would establish a Balanced Budget Amendment. To advance this legislative priority, she currently is a co-sponsor of two balanced budget proposals: S.J. Res. 3, introduced by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and John Cornyn (R-TX); and S.J. Res. 5, introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT).

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