[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H7640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

  (Mr. ROE of Tennessee asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, this week we will take what I 
believe is one of the most important votes we will ever cast in the 
U.S. Congress on adding a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. 
Constitution.
  With our national debt approaching $15 trillion--more than $47,900 
for every man, woman, and child in this Nation--it's time to get 
serious about spending. That's why we must succeed where other 
Congresses have failed and send this amendment to the States for 
ratification. According to the CBO, the budget submitted by the 
President earlier this year would, at no time over the next 10 years, 
bring the annual deficit below $748 billion.
  This balanced budget amendment would require Washington to live 
within its means just exactly like families do, cities, counties, 
States do every day. It simply says that spending cannot exceed 
revenues unless three-fifths of each Chamber approves.
  Forty-eight States, including my home State of Tennessee, already 
have a balanced budget amendment. This is just common sense. I urge my 
colleagues to support this amendment and the principles that it 
represents: Spend less than you take in.

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