Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted today in favor for H.J. Res. 2, the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This amendment would prohibit Congress from spending more money than it receives in revenue and prohibit increases to the debt limit, unless three-fifths of both chambers of Congress provide by law for specific increases. Additionally, the Balanced Budget Amendment would require the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress prior to each fiscal year.

“Since being first elected to Congress, I have worked to reverse the course of irresponsible federal spending and enact fiscally conservative policies to ensure a prosperous future for our children and grandchildren. As our national debt now exceeds $20 trillion, it is critical for Congress to do more to address the true cost drivers of our debt and offset investments in discretionary spending with long, overdue reforms to our unsustainable mandatory programs. Today, I was proud to join my colleagues in the House to hold Washington accountable to the American people, rein in out-of-control spending, and invest responsibly in the future of our nation.”

In order to amend the Constitution, the Balanced Budget Amendment must be passed by two-thirds of each chamber of Congress and must to be ratified by three-fourths of the states.