From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill, 14th District)…
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced the kick-off of the America Speaking Out (ASO) initiative for residents to express their opinion about a balanced budget amendment (BBA) to the U.S. Constitution.
“I feel that the only permanent solution to our debt crisis is to enshrine it in the Constitution and legally force future Congresses and Presidents to stop spending money they don’t have,” said Hultgren. “Currently, 49 states abide by some form of a balanced budget requirement and national polls prove that the American people support a balanced budget amendment to our Constitution.”
As part of the debt ceiling increase in August, the House and Senate are required to vote on a BBA between October 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011. If the BBA receives two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate, it will be sent to all 50 states for ratification.
“In 1995, Congress nearly passed a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced budget, but fell one vote short. Sixteen years later, Congress has the chance to finally get it right,” said Hultgren. “I encourage all of the residents of the 14th District to visit www.americaspeakingout.com to express their opinion about a balanced budget amendment today.”
America Speaking Out is an online community launched by House Republicans aimed at giving the American people a voice and the power to set the agenda in Congress. To learn more, visit www.americaspeakingout.com. Through ASO, Americans can express their opinion about the BBA, which will be voted on in the House this fall. To learn more about the need for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, please visit www.gop.gov/balancethebudget.