[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 24, 1992]
[Pages 1008-1009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Balanced Budget Amendment

June 24, 1992
    This morning, I met with Members of the House of Representatives, 
Republicans and Democrats, who earlier this month voted in favor of a 
balanced budget constitutional amendment. I thanked them for the 
courage, vision, and responsibility they displayed supporting the 
balanced budget constitutional amendment. Their votes demonstrated their 
willingness to stand up to the special interests who perpetuate the 
status quo of deficit spending. Their votes show they take 
seriously the intolerable legacy of debt 
that future generations will inherit if we 
do not take prompt action to control

[[Page 1009]]

Federal spending.
    The American people overwhelmingly support a balanced budget 
constitutional amendment. On June 10, we came within just nine votes of 
achieving the two-thirds majority needed to pass the amendment in the 
House of Representatives. We came very close to accomplishing our goal. 
At a minimum, we created an atmosphere in which the Federal Government 
is watching more carefully how it spends taxpayers' money.
    Now we must act to lay the groundwork for the future. I can and will 
take the compelling case for a balanced budget constitutional amendment 
to the American people. I seek a permanent partnership for fiscal 
responsibility that bears no party label. I plan to work closely with 
Members of Congress from both parties who support the amendment to find 
the nine missing votes and then raise the issue again. In every way 
possible, we will press our fight to restrain Federal spending once and 
for all.