National Taxpayers Union, the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, urges all members to vote “YES” on H.J. Res. 139, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), this legislation would provide the strongest safeguard possible against Washington’s chronic overspending problem by restoring basic fiscal discipline to its rightful place in the Constitution.
Our country’s fiscal trajectory remains unsustainable. Our deficits hover near $2 trillion annually, and interest on the national debt already consumes about 13% of the entire U.S. federal budget. Against this backdrop, it’s more important than ever that lawmakers take proactive steps to protect the interests of taxpayers.
A balanced budget amendment would act as a fiscal straightjacket for profligate politicians who routinely prioritize the sugar high of deficit-spending over the country’s long-term fiscal sustainability. One of H.J. Res. 139’s best features is its use of a rolling three-year revenue average against which expenditures are pegged to define budget balance. Furthermore, the legislation wisely leans in the direction of primary balance instead of full balance.
A balanced budget amendment would incentivize lawmakers to make more thoughtful spending decisions, prioritize programs that demonstrate value for taxpayers, and subject legislation that grows the deficit to increased scrutiny. Yet, H.J. Res. 139 also allows for some flexibility and permits Congress to exceed spending limits during emergencies, making it a practical tool for guiding lawmakers’ spending decisions. We know of no other fiscal reform that could signal a greater paradigm shift in fiscal policy to the American people than a balanced budget amendment.
Roll call votes will be included in NTU’s annual rating of Congress and “YES” votes will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Policy and Government Affairs Manager Alexander Ciccone at aciccone@ntu.org