Despite Bipartisan Support, Balanced Budget Amendment Fails to Pass House; Thompson Continues Call For Fiscal Restraint

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. During general debate, Representative Thompson delivered remarks in support of the resolution. The measure, H. J. Res. 2, received the support of 236 Republicans and 25 Democrats, falling short of a two-thirds majority needed for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

From Representative Thompson’s floor remarks:

“It’s no secret, Mr. Speaker - Washington has a spending addiction…Each Congress, spending and budget ‘reforms’ are enacted only to be revised or ignored by the next. This body has reliably circumvented any real budget process, even its own rules, in order to fulfill its spending addiction…And that’s why we’re here today, to consider H.J. Res 2, a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution…”

“Many economists and experts agree adoption of such an amendment would begin to address this nation’s looming debt crisis and lay a stronger path to long-term economic growth…The American people overwhelmingly back the Balanced Budget Amendment...That’s exactly why H.J. Res. 2 already has the strong support of a majority my fellow representatives, including 242 bipartisan cosponsors…”

“Our constituents understand what it means to live within their means and they expect nothing less from the federal government…It’s time for each member to decide whether or not this country will continue down a reckless path of debt and despair, or quit living beyond our means – cold turkey…”

“It’s time to rid this chamber of its reckless spending addiction. It’s time for Congress to ‘Just Say No’ by voting ‘Yes’ on H.J. Res. 2.”

To view the full text of Representative Thompson’s floor remarks, click here.

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