Robert Smith: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and passage of the Stenholm-Smith balanced budget amendment to the…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and passage of the Stenholm-Smith balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Given this fact, words are not needed to describe the enthusiasm Members have for a Constitutional amendment to require a balanced Federal budget. The rule before us provides for the full and fair consideration of several versions of the balanced budget amendment. The consideration of the Kyl substitute, the Barton substitute, the Wise substitute, and the Stenholm-Smith amendment will provide the Members with a chance to express their views on the different approaches that can be taken to force Congress to balance the budget. I am confident that upon careful scrutiny, it will be clear that the Wise substitute is not only unsuitable for the Constitution, but also for those seeking political cover to avoid the American people's intolerance with continued opposition to the balanced budget amendment.”