Smucker Supports Balanced Budget Amendment

WASHINGTON– Rep. Smucker (PA-11), Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting yes on H.J.Res139, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government:

“Our nation is on an unsustainable fiscal path. With our national debt nearing $39 trillion and growing, it’s an issue we simply cannot afford to ignore. Getting our fiscal house in order is the only way to ensure America’s long-term economic prosperity.

“Fixing our fiscal trajectory will not happen overnight, but I remain committed to working with my colleagues to put our nation back on a responsible fiscal path.”

Amendments to the Constitution require a vote of two thirds to pass. The resolution did not receive the required support with a final vote of 211-207.

Background:

Rep. Smucker was recognized as Taxpayer Defender of the Month by National Taxpayers Union for his work to increase transparency and accountability surrounding the national debt.

Rep. Smucker recently introduced the Debt Solution and Accountability Act, legislation designed to improve transparency when the federal government approaches the debt ceiling. 

Rep. Smucker has also introduced the Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act, which would require all executive and congressional budget resolutions to include the ratio of national debt to gross domestic product.