Orrin Hatch: “Let me just say for the sake of this debate, if the Senator were willing to vote for the balanced budget amendment, I…”

“Let me just say for the sake of this debate, if the Senator were willing to vote for the balanced budget amendment, I would accept his amendment because I think three-quarters of the States would ratify this amendment within the 3-year time period. I know he will not vote for this balanced budget amendment, and, frankly, it is better from a constitutional standpoint to give the States enough time to function. Some States do not even meet this year in their legislatures; others meet, but may not have time to consider this. It does take time to ratify a constitutional amendment, depending upon a lot of timing factors. So we prefer to have the 7-year period. But I will make that offer if the Senator will vote for the balanced budget amendment. I would encourage all my colleagues to vote for his amendment, but until he does, I think we have to reject this amendment unless he is willing to do so.”