Jim Matheson: “I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) for introducing the bill, and I thank the gentleman from Virginia…”

“I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) for introducing the bill, and I thank the gentleman from Virginia for the time. You know, I'm part of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of conservative Democrats, and for 16 years the Blue Dogs have been advocating a balanced budget amendment. It really shouldn't be about Democrats and Republicans. Since I've been in Congress, I've been here when Democrats controlled Congress and Republicans controlled Congress. I've been here when Democrats controlled the White House and Republicans controlled the White House, and neither party has the best track record on the deficit issue. And that's why I think the balanced budget amendment makes sense, because I think we need a structural requirement that brings everyone to the table and says this is what you've got to do, Democrats or Republicans. This shouldn't be a partisan issue. This should be an issue about setting a path forward that creates stability and sends the right message to the American people and to the rest of the world that we know how to live within our means. Now, I have to say that I wish we had more support on my side of the aisle than we do because, as I said, I don't think it's a Democratic or Republican issue. I think it's an issue that we all ought to be looking at--balancing the books, balancing your budget. Families do it every day. States do it. At least 49 States have a requirement for a balanced budget.…”