Hartzler: We need the Balanced Budget Amendment

In a news release issued moments ago, Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler praises the Budget Control Act of 2011, which the House of Representatives approved earlier today.

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has voted to enact real spending cuts while laying the foundation for further spending reductions down the road, voting for the Budget Control Act of 2011. The Act is a two-step approach that prevents our country from defaulting on its loans, controls reckless government spending, and requires passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment before the debt ceiling could be raised again. Hartzler worked with House leaders to strengthen the bill by fighting for the Balanced Budget Amendment provision, believing the Balanced Budget Amendment is the only way to permanently rein in Washington’s spending.

”Families have to balance their budgets and live within their means,” Hartzler said. “Washington should, too. Today is Day One to change the way Washington works - changing the broken system of spending. Passage of this bill allows America to avoid default caused by President Obama’s credit card spending spree. Today we cut up the credit cards and demand Washington live within its means.”

“The measure we approved provides an immediate increase in the debt ceiling and sets guidelines for a second increase in a few months, but the debt will not be increased at that time unless the House and Senate do the responsible thing by passing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and sending it to the states for ratification,” continued Hartzler. “This is a historic opportunity. We have passed a realistic approach to spending that will establish permanent accountability in Washington. American families must tighten their belts and learn to do more with less. So should Washington.”

“The American people have had enough! This legislation will keep America from defaulting and take away President Obama’s credit card,” added Hartzler. “The simple truth is that the ultimate answer to our debt crisis is a Balanced Budget Amendment, which I now believe we are on the path to securing. What we have accomplished today is an essential step to spending discipline. We need a balanced budget.”