Lisa Murkowski: “I am going to vote for this balanced budget amendment because I believe nothing short of amending the Constitution is…”

“I am going to vote for this balanced budget amendment because I believe nothing short of amending the Constitution is going to change our addiction to spending and living beyond our means. I recall back in 1962 the Federal Government's budget reached $100 billion. By 1971, it had doubled to $200 billion. By 1977, it had doubled again. In 1983, the Federal budget topped $800 billion. The budget for next year, fiscal year 1997, will be more than $1.6 trillion. How can we meet our obligation to our seniors, how can we meet the obligation of coming generations if our fiscal house is not in order? We have been spending far in excess of revenues.”