In an effort to ensure that the federal government is not spending more of people’s hard-earned tax dollars than it takes in, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) is one of the original co-sponsors of  a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which is expected to be considered by the new 112^th Congress.

“Hard-working Missouri families understand that you cannot spend more than you take in, and it’s about time that the federal government learns that lesson in order to stop this historic and dangerous spending spree,” said Luetkemeyer, who, as a former Missouri state lawmaker, was required by law to pass a balanced budget. “I am a strong advocate of a balanced amendment because I know it works. I will continue to work hard to see that Americans get the opportunity to vote on a balanced budget amendment to our Constitution.”

The legislation, which previously had been supported by Luetkemeyer and 178 other Members but was ignored by the previous majority in the 111^th Congress, was re-introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia. Among other things, the measure specifically requires that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues, requires the president to submit a balanced budget to Congress and requires a 3/5 majority to increase the debt limit. 

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