Wicker Calls for Vote on Balanced Budget Amendment

June 29, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today called on Senate leaders to vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment supported by all Senate Republicans.

“Federal spending is out of control, and to solve the problem, we should begin by balancing our budget,” said Wicker.  “We must quit spending money that we do not have.  I remain committed to reducing spending in ways that make sense, and a Balanced Budget Amendment is an important part.”

The Balanced Budget Amendment would require Congress to pass a balanced budget each year, cap federal spending at 18 percent of gross domestic product, and require a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate to raise taxes.  A majority of U.S. states, including Mississippi, have balanced budget requirements.

Last year, the Democrat-controlled Congress failed to pass any budget, and the Democrat-controlled Senate has not offered a budget proposal this year.

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