Tester calls for balanced budget

On day the President releases his budget, Senator pushes for fiscal responsibility

(U.S. Senate) – After the President released his 2017 budget proposal today, Senator Jon Tester is again calling on Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment and demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

Tester’s bipartisan bill would amend the U.S Constitution to prevent Congress from spending more money than it receives in tax revenue.

Tester, who presided over the Montana Senate before becoming U.S. Senator, noted that the State of Montana operates under a balanced budget and said it’s time for Congress to follow Montana’s lead.

“We can’t keep swiping the credit card of the next generation,” Tester said. “Balancing the federal budget is hard work, but if we want to hand over the world’s number one economy to our kids and grandkids, we have to work together and make tough choices.”

According to the United States Department of Treasury, the national debt is approaching $19 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the annual budget deficit for fiscal year 2016 will be $105 billion higher than the year before. 2016 is the first time since 2009 that the deficit has increased.

Tester took Congress to task in December when he voted against a spending bill that will saddle future generations with nearly $800 billion in debt.

Tester’s balanced budget amendment, which includes provisions to protect Social Security and Medicare, can be read online HERE.