Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution

Floor Speech

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Mr. DesJARLAIS. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, no one can deny that our Nation's on an unsustainable spending path that will lead this country to bankruptcy. Our national debt is now a staggering $15 trillion and rising daily.

In the past 50 years, the budget has been balanced just six times, a losing record that has seen our deficit explode from $300 billion to $15 trillion.

Congress has tried spending caps. Time and time again, one Congress sets them, just to see the next Congress undo them. That's why we must have this amendment. A balanced budget amendment will finally force the Federal Government to live within its means, not just this Congress, but for generations to come.

Politicians love their polls, and a recent poll shows that 75 percent of Americans favor a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. If we, as Congressmen, are truly representing the people who sent us here, this is the day that we set partisan differences aside and listen to the people. Three-fourths of Americans want this. We only need two-thirds of our Members to make this happen.

It is no secret to anyone here that Congress suffers from a 90 percent disapproval rating, and I believe it's because the American people are sick and tired of partisan politics and that their voices fall on deaf ears. Today we have a chance to show the American people that we are listening, that we do care about them, and that we do hear their voices.

Republicans should embrace this bill; Democrats should embrace this bill; the President of the United States should embrace this bill because, clearly, the American people embrace this bill. It is a rare opportunity where we all win.

Let us return to our districts with our heads held high, tell our constituents that their voices were heard, that we listened. Let's hug our children and grandchildren and tell them today we made history and we have taken a giant step toward securing their future. For the sake of this great Nation, do the right thing. Pass this resolution.

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