Nunnelee Votes for Balanced Budget Amendment

Press Release

Today, Representative Alan Nunnelee (MS-01) voted in support of H.J.Res. 2, the Balanced Budget Amendment. The measure garnered 261 votes in support, 21 short of the 2/3 majority of voting members required for passage.

"While I am disappointed that the Balanced Budget Amendment did not pass, I will continue to work every day to help create an environment where the private economy can thrive. We must cut spending and pay down the debt that is strangling our economic recovery and endangering our national security."

Rep. Nunnelee stated that his time in the Mississippi Senate strengthened his belief in requiring balanced budgets.

"During my time as Appropriations Chairman in the Mississippi Senate, I helped craft balanced budgets. Mississippi's government, families and small businesses have to make difficult decisions every day about how to live within their means, and they have every reason to expect their government in Washington to do the same."

Highlights of the Balanced Budget Amendment:

· Requires the President's proposed budget to Congress be balanced each year.

· Total outlays cannot exceed total revenues without 3/5 approval of each House.

· 3/5 approval of each House to raise the debt ceiling.

· A true majority of 218 in the House and 51 in the Senate to increase revenues (current law only requires a majority of those present and voting and allows a voice vote); and

· A limited exception in times of war and during military conflicts that pose imminent and serious military threats to national security, but requires that any additional spending be for that military conflict.

· This version is nearly identical to the version that passed the House in 1995 by a vote of 300-132.

Rep. Nunnelee also participated in a press conference with fellow House Republican Freshman to show their support for The Balanced Budget Amendment. A video of that event can be seen by clicking the link below.

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