Statement on House Failure to Pass Historic Balanced Budget Amendment

Press Release

Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement after the House failed to get the necessary two-thirds of voting members needed to pass a Constitutional Amendment requiring a balanced budget. Rehberg, a member of the bipartisan Balanced Budget Amendment Caucus, who sponsored a balanced budget amendment as his very first action in the 112th Congress voted in favor of the measure. This summer, more than 80 members of Montana's 62nd Legislature sent a letter to Rehberg, Senator Jon Tester and Senator Max Baucus urging them to support a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution and assuring that Montana would be one of the first states to ratify if it were to pass Congress.

"While this vote didn't go our way, we're making tremendous strides to making Washington look a little more like Montana. A year ago, this vote would not have even happened, but the voters spoke and Congress changed directions. The days of getting something for nothing are over and it's time for government to tighten its belt, just like Montana families. We need a Constitutional requirement for a balanced budget, and I'm going to keep working to pass one until it's done."

Source