The national debt is astonishingly large and growing rapidly. That is clear, but what is the solution? Going deeper and deeper into debt can be stopped only by a balanced budget constitutional amendment. Everything else has been tried, and failed. It is time for effective action.
A national convention could propose a federal balanced budget constitutional amendment. This method of proposing amendments was written into the U.S. Constitution by the founding fathers. They intended for this option (in Article V) to be used when necessary. To date, 28 of the required 34 states have called for a convention. Once proposed, the balanced budget amendment then must be ratified by three-fourths of the states to take effect. Americans believe in limited government. This amendment puts a sensible limit on government power. Polls have shown that two out of three voters support a balanced budget constitutional amendment.
Is it safe to hold a constitutional convention? Yes.
Second, states are calling for the convention solely to deal with the debt issue. That is obvious.
Third, the convention cannot change the constitution. It can only propose amendment language.
Fourth, a proposed amendment has to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. This rigorous procedure is a solid safeguard.
Fifth, which Congressmen or which state legislators want to scrap the U.S. Constitution? None.
Sixth, Congress can propose an amendment at any time. That has never caused concern.
Seventh, states have adopted balanced budget amendments. Experience has proven that amending is a safe process. The constitution was designed to be amended. As you would expect, the proposals for this 28th amendment have flexibility in war or economic trouble. For many years balanced budget requirements in state constitutions have been effective.
Only a constitutional amendment will work. What other realistic solution to the debt problem exists? There is a long history of unsuccessful attempts in Washington to balance budgets. Unprecedented mountains of debt are an irresponsible government created burden on citizens now, and on the next generation. A chronic fundamental problem requires fundamental change. The need is serious. This important amendment is crucial for the financial security of each of us, and for America's future.
States that have not yet called for a constitutional convention to propose a federal balanced budget amendment: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Is your state listed? If so, write your state legislators to ask them to support a convention that would propose a federal balanced budget amendment.
U.S. Constitution, Article V: "The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States...."
FAQs and Answers on the Balanced Budget Amendment.
This page contributed by Mark Guyer, Voters For Balanced Budgets.
Back to the NDAC main page.