Joel Hefley: “Every year, we hear the same arguments used against the balanced budget amendment: it is unnecessary, binding, and a…”

“Every year, we hear the same arguments used against the balanced budget amendment: it is unnecessary, binding, and a blot on the Constitution. We are told we need to tighten our belts, make the tough choices, stand up to special interest groups. There is one word you'll never hear used against the amendment though: commitment. That is because opponents here in Congress do not share our commitment for cutting spending and reducing the deficit. As Robert Reich made it clear last week, neither does the administration. It is just not important to them. But it is important to the American people. It is important to our future. It is important to our children. Mr. Chairman, Congress does not lack for choices, it lacks commitment. The balanced budget amendment represents a commitment to the American people to make the tough choices and cut spending. It's the one budget agreement Congress can't repeal. As a long-time cosponsor of the balanced budget amendment, I am excited this legislation is before us, and I look forward to successfully passing it, here and on to the States for ratification.”