Earl Pomeroy: “The people I represent I think understand that you do not fund operating costs out of debt. That is what this country…”

“The people I represent I think understand that you do not fund operating costs out of debt. That is what this country has done, and it is time for it to stop. The balanced budget amendment approach we seek would put a stop to it. On the other hand, they do not want the Social Security Program placed in jeopardy as short-term, budget-driven decisions might erode the sanctity and ability of the Social Security Program to meet the retirement needs of this country moving forward. They do not want this country to be unable to maintain a vital Interstate Highway System, to be able to make the essential capital expenditures that this great country must make, just like States make under their own balanced-budget requirements.”