Vern Buchanan Goes to Bat for Balanced Budget Amendment

Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan introduced a federal balanced-budget amendment in the U.S. House on Wednesday, very similar to a measure being proposed by U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. The measure would also limit federal spending to 18 percent of the GDP and mandate that any measure to raise federal taxes be passed by supermajorities of both wings of Congress.

"We cant wait any longer," said Buchanan. "The time is now for Washington to make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget for taxpayers today and for future generations.

Each year, billions of taxpayer dollars are spent on waste, fraud and abuse, added Buchanan. A balanced budget amendment would force lawmakers to take a hard look at the programs they are funding and hold federal agencies accountable.

Buchanan has been backing balanced amendments since first taking his seat in 2007.

"A balanced budget amendment is a common-sense measure that will save taxpayer dollars and help ensure the financial security of our children and grandchildren, insisted Buchanan.