Sam Brownback: “I rise to make a few remarks on the balanced budget constitutional amendment being considered before us today. In the…”

“I rise to make a few remarks on the balanced budget constitutional amendment being considered before us today. In the House of Representatives, I was fortunate enough to have been involved with the passage of this amendment during the 104th Congress and I am honored to be active once again in our efforts to pass this important amendment, and to help secure the American dream for future generations. Now, proposing an amendment to our national charter is not something to be taken lightly. It should be undertaken only for the most important of causes. The Constitution has guaranteed and protected the freedom of the American people. But it can only continue to defend those freedoms if we give it the ability to defend them. An amendment to balance the budget will give our Constitution the strength it needs to continue protecting and defending the freedoms that so many Americans enjoy. A balanced budget promises hope for the future, not fear as the naysayers will tell you. It promises to draw down interest rates, spur new investment decisions and increase our gross domestic product. It promises lower unemployment and more take home pay. And very importantly it promises to help protect our Social Security system. Without it our economic security is threatened. One of the most insidious aspects of our budget deficit is that it amounts to a hidden tax on our income, and on our children's future income.”