Senators Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) have introduced a constitutional amendment called the Principles-Based Balanced Budget Amendment (PBBA), which would require Congress to balance federal spending and revenue within ten years of ratification.
“In Ohio, we are required to balance the state budget every year. With a national debt of $38 trillion and climbing, our children will pay the price for our lack of discipline. I’m introducing this amendment to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, calm inflation and require Congress to rein in spending in a principled way. I applaud Rep. Moran for his leadership on this issue in the United States House of Representatives, and I’m proud to lead the Senate version. I love our country, and it’s worth our discipline and sacrifice to save it,” said Husted.
Lummis added: “With a ballooning national debt of more than $38 trillion, the United States simply cannot afford needless spending without any accountability. At the current rate, we are leaving a fiscal disaster for our grandchildren, and their children. It’s long past time we balance our budget and get our fiscal house in order, and this legislation puts our country on the path to getting it done.”
Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1), who introduced the companion version of PBBA in the House of Representatives, stated: “For years, Washington has delayed the tough decisions needed to get our fiscal house in order, and the result is a national debt now topping $38 trillion. That trajectory is unsustainable and unfair to the next generation. The Senate’s introduction of this amendment reinforces a simple principle: Congress must live within its means. This amendment is a practical step toward lowering inflation, strengthening our economy, and securing America’s financial future.”
Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy at Americans for Prosperity commented: “Senator Husted’s principles-based balanced budget amendment should be the 28th Amendmentto the U.S. Constitution. A smart BBA and related legislation would help Congress tame inflation, boost opportunity for all Americans and strengthen the legislative branch. This BBA resembles existing, successful constitutional provisions: broadly appealing principles that will stand the test of time while Congress updates the details as the country changes. We urge all senators to support Senator Husted’s Principles-based BBA.”
Husted previously served as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and Lt. Governor; during his tenure he did not support unbalanced budgets.
The full text of PBBA is available online.
