WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after H. J. Res. 2, which amends the U.S. Constitution to require that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenue, didn’t garner enough votes to pass the House.

“Families across the country sit down at their kitchen tables every month and make tough decisions to balance their budget so that they can make ends meet. Just like American families, the federal government should spend within its means. A Balanced Budget Amendment, which requires a two-third majority in both chambers of Congress to pass, is a needed and important mechanism to restore fiscal discipline. I’m disappointed that today Democrats refused to join us in this effort by blocking Chairman Bob Goodlatte’s (R-VA) amendment from going to the Senate.

“Despite their obstruction, House Republicans remain focused on solutions for fiscal responsibility that the American people trust will provide for their economic security. Just this week, the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform met to discuss ways to fix the broken budget process that has protected the status quo of runaway government spending. To build trust and accountability,  I will continue to press for solutions that will ensure Congress is exercising its Constitutional ‘power of the purse’ responsibly and effectively.”

NOTE: Cathy introduced legislation to restore the “power of the purse” to the American people as outlined in Article I of the Constitution. The Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act puts all unauthorized programs on a pathway to sunset in 3 years unless they are reauthorized and requires any new authorizations or reauthorizations to include a sunset clause. This means every government program will be routinely scrutinized and updated by the People’s representatives. Visit McMorris.House.Gov/USAact to learn more.

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