Orrin Hatch: “I want to reemphasize that this is one of the most important debates that has ever taken place in the U.S. Senate. The…”

“I want to reemphasize that this is one of the most important debates that has ever taken place in the U.S. Senate. The subject matter indeed goes to the very heart of the hope of the Framers of the Constitution for the constitutional system--a system that would protect individual freedom and restrain the size and power of the Federal Government. In the latter half of this century, however, the intention of the Framers has been betrayed by Congress' inability to control its own spending habits. I want to explain how passage of the balanced budget amendment will further the intent of the Framers of the Constitution. I also want to demonstrate that Federal balanced budgets--up to very recently in our history--was a customary norm. We must return to that norm if we ever hope to assure the economic well-being and vibrancy of these United States. Mr. President, let me first say what the modern day crisis is: Our Nation is faced with a worsening problem of rising national debt and deficits and the increased Government use of capital that would otherwise be available to the private sector to create jobs to invest in our future.”