The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday unanimously voted to pass Senator Brian Kelsey’s (R-Germantown) Joint Resolution 493. The resolution calls for a convention of the states pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution that would require Congress to balance the federal budget each year. Specifically, the resolution states that in the absence of a congressional declaration of war or an economic recession, the total of all federal appropriations made by the Congress for any fiscal year may not exceed the total of all estimated federal revenues for that fiscal year.
“The Founding Founders gave the states the ability to reign in the federal government, and that’s exactly what we should do,” said Senator Kelsey earlier today in committee. “The federal government should live within its means and stop adding to its $17 trillion debt.”
Article V of the U.S. Constitution states that if two-thirds of the states submit applications to Congress on the same subject matter, Congress must call for a convention for the purpose of proposing such an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If approved by both chambers of the General Assembly, Tennessee will join 20 other states who have submitted similar balanced budget amendment requests to Congress.
“The Balanced Budget Amendment will force Congress to keep their promises to the American people and ensure financial viability for future generations," concluded Senator Kelsey.
Senator Kelsey represents Cordova, East Memphis, and Germantown. He is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.