Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a cosponsor of H.J.Res.2, which proposes a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Offered by Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the legislation would require a 3/5 vote of both the House and the Senate to allow spending to exceed receipts for that fiscal year, require 3/5 vote to increase the debt limit, direct the President to submit a balanced budget annually, and prohibit any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by roll call vote.  It waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. 

“As a supporter of the balanced budget amendment since I first came to Congress, and a long time member of the House Budget Committee, I can attest firsthand the value that a balanced budget requirement would have on the yearly budgeting process,” said Simpson.  “Over the past several years, the growth in government funding has far outpaced the growth of the American family budget.  Congress must answer the call of the American people to do what families in America are doing every day—figuring out what their priorities are and creating a responsible budget that reflects those priorities.”