House Misses Opportunity, Debt Crisis Persists

Statement

Rep. Todd Rokita responded today to the House's failure to pass H.J. Res 2, a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution:

"Today, as a result of bitter partisanship and politicians unwilling to make tough decisions, the House failed to seize a critical opportunity to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment, a measure essential to addressing our nation's growing debt crisis.

As a result, our debt crisis will continue to worsen and politicians more concerned about future elections than future generations will continue to steal from our children and grandchildren to maintain their power, reward selected political constituencies and grow government.

I remain committed to the enactment of a Balanced Budget Amendment and will continue to work to ensure such an amendment is sent to the American people for ratification. A Balanced Budget Amendment remains our best hope of righting our nation's fiscal situation before our foreign creditors force the decision, and our children and grandchildren are confronted with a future wracked by austerity and a nation in decline."

H.J. Res 2, the Balanced Budget Amendment, failed to garner 290 votes needed for passage. The final vote was 261 to 165.

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