John Mica: “Today I rise in support of the amending the Constitution to include a Balanced Budget Amendment requiring government to…”

“Today I rise in support of the amending the Constitution to include a Balanced Budget Amendment requiring government to live within its means. This week, our national debt surpassed $15 trillion. Our nation faces difficult economic times, a good part due to spending beyond our means. Debt per household and for every American is at an unsustainable level and jeopardizes our future. We can balance our budget. I helped and voted for that responsible path which we achieved from 1996 to 2001. We have today the opportunity to take an important step toward reestablishing fiscal order to our nation. Congress must ensure that the reckless spending and poor choices of today do not doom our children and grandchildren to insurmountable indebtedness. Having balanced our budgets in the past, and, while it will not be easy, it can be done again. Families and businesses have made the tough choices that are required. Government must now follow. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support the passage of this resolution and provide Americans the opportunity to vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment. This is a decision not just for the House of Representatives or Congress, but for the American people. History will judge us today on how we have laid the foundation for the success of future generations. I urge my colleagues to make the right choice. ____”