Linda Sánchez Statement on Balanced Budget Amendment (Nov. 18 2011)

Washington, DC – CongresswomanLinda Sánchez (CA-39) today released the following statement regarding theBalanced Budget Amendment proposed by Republicans. This legislation would have required a supermajority of Congress to raise federal revenues, effectively handcuffingCongress from solving budget concerns.

"WhileI agree that we need to get the federal deficit under control, this BalancedBudget Amendment is the wrong way to do it. By requiring a super majority of both the House of Representatives andthe Senate to agree on any bill which raises federal revenues, Republicans wantto ensure gridlock in Washington.

"TheRepublican majority is insisting that the only way the federal government cantackle its deficit is by cuts to vital programs which help people keep theirheads above water during an economic downturn. The American people have said repeatedly that this policy isunacceptable.

"Iurge my colleagues to learn from my home state of California. California has tried this flawed plan, and itsimply does not work. California'sfiscal situation becomes increasingly difficult each year because of this supermajority requirement. Anyone who haswitnessed California's budget problems knows that we don't want the same fatefor our federal government."

Clickhereto see Congresswoman Sánchez speak on the House floor.