Tony Thurmond: “Undoubtedly, it is the desire of every Member who supports the balanced budget amendment to see the Federal budget…”

“Undoubtedly, it is the desire of every Member who supports the balanced budget amendment to see the Federal budget deficit eliminated so that we may begin to cut away at the Federal debt which is currently over $5.28 trillion. Without a balanced budget amendment, there has been little pressure on the President to submit a balanced budget and on the Congress to make tough legislative choices on Federal spending. I would note that the Republican-controlled Congress is working hard to balance the Federal budget. However, we need a balanced budget amendment as part of the Constitution. As the Congress authorizes Federal spending, we must understand the reality that there are a finite number of tax dollars available for public spending and various proposals would compete on merit and need, not popularity. The balanced budget amendment would instill legislative accountability as the Congress considers various proposals for increased Federal spending. Currently, there is no real check on runaway Federal spending, and there will never be a shortage of legislation creating new Federal programs or efforts to increase spending in existing programs. Without a balanced budget amendment, budget deficits over the long term will continue to rise and the Federal debt will continue to grow.”