Gerald Kleczka: “over the past years I have supported various versions of the balanced budget amendment. However, I have not been willing…”

“over the past years I have supported various versions of the balanced budget amendment. However, I have not been willing to support just any version. After studying all of the proposals that will be coming up next week, I find them deficient in two areas, and I am introducing today an alternative amendment along with the gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Furse] and the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Deutsch]. I should point out it is identical to the contract balanced budget amendment, except for two critical points. First, it excludes the Social Security trust fund, which our Nation's senior citizens depend on. Second, it does not require a three-fifths vote to raise taxes. If the House can vote with a simple majority to declare war or for impeachment of a President, we should be able to set tax policy in the same manner. This resolution creates a prudent and viable balance among fiscal responsibility, majority rule, and our responsibility to our fellow Americans. Please join myself, the gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Furse], and the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Deutsch], as a cosponsor of this balanced budget resolution.”