Reps. Ward, Rick Jones, Green, Meisner, Vagnozzi, Ball, Brandenburg, Accavitti, Elsenheimer, Schuitmaker, Horn and Acciavatti offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 196.
A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to adopt and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced budget.
Whereas, Preparing an annual budget is a primary responsibility of the legislative branch of government. This process not only prioritizes the tasks a society wishes to carry out, it also projects a financial commitment that should be based on sound thinking and a deep understanding of the long-term ramifications of spending decisions; and
Whereas, Runaway federal spending is a serious threat to the long-term stability of our nation. Mounting debt has the potential to impede our country's progress in many areas, in a manner similar to the way unchecked spending can do harm to an individual family or business; and
Whereas, Unlike the states, which must wrestle each year with how to match resources with needs, the federal government does not have to balance its budget. Clearly, unchecked federal spending exerts negative pressures on our economy and our ability to compete with other nations; and
Whereas, Adding a balanced budget requirement to our federal constitution would greatly strengthen our country. With less money diverted to service the nation's debt, more of our country's resources can be directed to address the greatest challenges before us; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States 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.