Balanced Budget Amendment -- I'd Call That Bet
July 21, 2011 at 10:22 AM
By CHERYL EVERMAN
As he remarked in the Sunday addition of the Star Democrat, Congressman Harris cosponsored HR 2560, Cut, Cap
and Balance Act of 2011. It requires that a Constitutional amendment meeting the author and cosponsors terms
(requires that total outlays not exceed total receipts, that contains a spending limitation as a percentage of GDP,
and requires that tax increases be approved by a two-thirds vote in both Houses of Congress) is presented to the
States, meaning that it passes the House and the Senate (which requires a 2/3 vote), or they will hold the debt ceiling
hostage. Once presented to the States, it would require 38 States (3/4) to ratify it. Currently the Democrats control
16 State Legislatures. Another 8 are divided. This means that the Republicans would need to retain control of the
26 States legislatures they now control and flip 12 more States. Or State Legislatures controlled by Democrats
would need to vote to support the Balanced Budget Amendment. Recognize that the Constitution has only been
amended 27 times, including the Bill of Rights. After 10 years, we were not able to pass amendment that would
give equal rights to women, and in fact, even today, there are those that fight against any legislation that attempts to
require women be treated equally in terms of pay, career mobility, and even healthcare. In Poker terms, the GOP
has gone “all in.” I say call them on their bet. The odds are on the side of the Democrats, the full faith and credit of
the US, and the people.
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