Vern Buchanan Points to Debt Ceiling and Calls for Balanced Budget

With the federal government reaching the congressionally mandated debt limit on Monday, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan repeated his call for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring a balanced budget.

We cant wait any longer, said Buchanan on Monday. "It is imperative that Washington make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget for taxpayers today and for future generations. Todays announcement only makes the urgency that much greater.

Buchanan introduced a resolution in the House to forward the amendment -- legislation he has been fighting for since first elected to Congress in 2006.

We dont have a revenue problem, said Buchanan.We have a spending problem.A balanced budget amendment would force lawmakers to take a hard look at the programs they are funding and hold federal agencies accountable.