Arlington, VA — Americans for Prosperity (AFP) issued the following statement ahead of Wednesday’s expected vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.J.Res.139, a proposed constitutional balanced budget amendment.
“Washington’s spending problem and broader dysfunction have placed an unsustainable burden on taxpayers and future generations,” said Kurt Couchman, Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity. “This next-generation balanced budget amendment to balance over the business cycle represents an important step toward sound budgeting, strengthening Congress, and ensuring that the federal government lives within its means—just like American families and small businesses must do every day.”
AFP emphasized that federal debt has continued to grow as Congress routinely spends more than it collects in revenue. Supporters of the amendment argue that placing a constitutional requirement on balanced budgets would create long-term discipline in the federal budgeting process and encourage lawmakers to prioritize responsible spending.
“While no single reform will fix Congress’ broken budget process, requiring a balanced budget would create stronger incentives for policymakers to curb wasteful spending and make responsible fiscal choices,” Couchman continued. “Americans deserve a government that chooses well and plans for the future rather than passing today’s bills to the next generation.”
Couchman, author of Fiscal Democracy in America: How a Balanced Budget Amendment Can Restore Sound Governance, recently testified on the importance of a smart balanced budget amendment before the House Budget and Judiciary committees. AFP has long encouraged lawmakers to support reforms that improve transparency, strengthen Congress’ budget management, and put the country on a more sustainable financial path.
Americans for Prosperity will continue to engage lawmakers and citizens across the country as the debate over fiscal reform moves forward.
Through broad-based grassroots outreach, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is driving long-term solutions to the country’s biggest problems. AFP activists engage friends and neighbors on key issues and encourage them to take an active role in building a culture of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping one another. AFP recruits and unites activists in all 50 states behind a common goal of advancing policies that will help people improve their lives. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org
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