I shall vote for the constitutional amendment to insert into the U.S. Constitution a provision requiring a balanced budget as a fundamental principle of our Nation's public policy. It is unfortunate that we have to vote on a constitutional amendment to force us to do something that we ought to do and that most Congresses throughout the history of this proud Republic have done. However, we have reached the point at which I have concluded that a constitutional amendment will be necessary in order to provide to this Congress and to future Congresses the necessary constitutional backbone in order to maintain a policy of a balanced budget.
On the recordJune 5, 1996
Source
govinfo.govEditor's note · Context
Concluding debate on a balanced budget amendment during Senate floor discussion.
Share
More from Lindsey Graham
Jun 21, 2026
If this deal fails, President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz over by force. The United States will control the Strait of Hormuz. We'll charge a fee for all those who go through – through to pay for the operation.
Jun 22, 2026
So, to all the people listening, if this diplomatic effort fails, President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz. We're going to run it.
Jun 21, 2026
I think this is going to happen in 2026… and it can't happen until Iran's in a box. If we get a deal, if we get a deal, Iran will be in a box. If we don't get a deal… Iran will be in a box.





