Louis Stokes: “I rise today to express my strong opposition to House Joint Resolution 103, as introduced by Representative Stenholm, a…”

“I rise today to express my strong opposition to House Joint Resolution 103, as introduced by Representative Stenholm, a bill to amend the Constitution to require a balanced budget. The proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit outlays from exceeding receipts in any fiscal year, unless three-fifths of the Members of the House vote to do so. I believe that this proposed amendment poses a grave danger to our Nation's unique Democratic system of government, and could adversely affect the American economy and the viability of our Nation for many years. One of the major problems presented by House Joint Resolution 103 is that enforcement of the law would be the responsibility of the Federal Judiciary, a clear violation of the doctrine of separation of powers. The Constitution, in article 1, section 8, specifically states that, "The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense (SIC) and general welfare of the United States * * *" enactment of House Joint Resolution 103 would amount to an abdication by the legislative branch of their sole responsibility, as the only Federal Government officials directly elected by the people, for raising revenue and directing spending. It is clear that our Founding Fathers never intended for the authority to make Federal Government spending decisions to be held by any other body than the Congress.”