J. Thurmond: “I rise today in opposition to the substitute amendment offered by Senator Reid which we will vote on today at 3 p.m. The…”

“I rise today in opposition to the substitute amendment offered by Senator Reid which we will vote on today at 3 p.m. The language of the substitute amendment has been referred to as a figleaf, a spurious attempt to provide political cover for those who believe they should vote to support a constitutional amendment to balance the budget but fear its consequences. I do not question the sincerity or motivation of Senators who have spoken in favor of the Reid substitute amendment. However, it is clear that the substitute amendment is rife with loopholes which swallow the mandate of achieving a balanced budget. Over the years, proponents of an effective balanced budget amendment have carefully crafted language to address the concerns of constitutional scholars, economists, and others across the Nation. The language contained in Senate Joint Resolution 41 is a result of many hearings, debates, and thoughtful discussion to constitutionally restrain congressional spending in an effective manner. Included in our proposal is a practical safety valve which would allow the Congress, when necessary, to engage in deficit spending by a three-fifths vote or during military conflict. By contrast, the language of the Reid amendment has appeared within the last few days without the benefit of any hearings or meaningful discourse beyond the Senate floor.”