Arlen Specter: “the Senate made a mistake today in rejecting the balanced budget amendment. But make no mistake, that issue will be…”

“the Senate made a mistake today in rejecting the balanced budget amendment. But make no mistake, that issue will be before the Senate before very long again. In failing by a single vote, the Senate rejected the overwhelming demand of the American people, as expressed in last November's election, that we need to exercise restraint in a constitutional context to live within our means. Today, on the motion for reconsideration entered by the majority leader, the procedural posture is now established so that the Senate can take up the issue again at any time. It is my prediction that the American people will respond to today's vote by a forceful declaration to the 34 Senators who voted against the balanced budget amendment that the American people want the balanced budget amendment passed. The procedure of the Senate is such that, if any one of those 34 Senators changes his or her mind, the amendment may be brought again to the floor of the Senate on short notice, giving Senators an opportunity to be present so all may express themselves, and the amendment could be passed. So my request, my plea to the American people, is to let your representatives, your U.S. Senators, the Senators who represent you in the U.S. Senate, know what your feelings are.”