Bill Text: MI HR0028 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize Congress to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced budget.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 12-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-16 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0028 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0028-Introduced.html
Rep. Somerville offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 28.
A resolution to memorialize Congress to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced budget.
Whereas, Our country is awash in debt. With an overall national debt pegged at $14 trillion and an annual budget deficit expected to hit $1.3 trillion, the future stability of the American economy is in peril. The policies of the past, carried out over decades, represent a threat to the strength and self-determination of our nation. These policies cannot continue if we expect our children and grandchildren to enjoy the opportunities past generations have known; and
Whereas, While a major obstacle is the staggering 60 percent of spending for so-called entitlements, there are few areas of federal expenditure that can escape serious examination in any move to bring sanity to the federal budget. It is clear that specific cuts to government programs will be difficult to achieve. It is also clear, however, that the pain of moves made to work toward a balanced budget will be less destructive than what could occur if the present trend of soaring government debt continues unchecked; and
Whereas, The notion of requiring a balanced budget for our federal government is hardly revolutionary. If businesses do not balance budgets, they fail. If families fail to balance their budgets, they face bankruptcy. State and local governments across the country have no other option but to balance their budget each year; and
Whereas, Congress has both the capacity and the responsibility to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced budget. The American people understand the serious harm that unchecked government spending can do to our country; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced budget; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
