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Budgets

Senate Republicans Delay Vote on Balanced Budget Amendment

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Senate Republicans, led by Bob Dole, unexpectedly called off a scheduled final vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget after it became apparent that supporters did not have the necessary 67 votes. The move came after a tense day of high-stakes lobbying, with senators on both sides engaging in a dramatic effort to persuade a single undecided Democratic senator, Kent Conrad of North Dakota. The delay was motivated by a desire to persuade reluctant senators, with Dole citing the higher goal of complying with the wishes of U.S. voters who have indicated in polls they support a balanced-budget amendment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate Republicans' attempt to pass a proposed constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget was delayed after it became clear they did not have the necessary 67 votes.
  • The delay was prompted by a desire to persuade a single undecided Democratic senator, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, to join the supporters of the amendment.
  • Conrad had insisted on a specific protection for the Social Security trust fund, which was later included in a compromise that also banned judicial involvement in enforcement of the amendment.
  • The compromise, proposed by Sen. Sam Nunn, was approved by the Senate 92-8, but its language may need to be re-approved by the House.
  • The language banning judicial involvement would prevent courts from ordering spending cuts or tax increases in response to violations of the balanced-budget amendment.
  • President Clinton has expressed strong opposition to the balanced-budget amendment, citing concerns about its potential impact on the economy and the ability of Congress to manage the budget.
  • A constitutional amendment requires approval by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress before being referred to the nation's state legislatures, where three-fourths approval is needed for ratification.

Statistics:

  • 67: the number of votes required for final passage of the balanced-budget amendment in the Senate.
  • 92-8: the vote by which the Senate approved Sen. Sam Nunn's proposal to ban judicial involvement in enforcement of the amendment.
  • 300-132: the vote by which the House of Representatives approved the balanced-budget amendment in January 1995.
  • 19: the number of days the Senate spent debating the balanced-budget amendment before the scheduled final vote.
  • 770: the number of days President Clinton has been waiting for the majority party in Congress to propose and vote for a budget that reduces the deficit.

Sources:

  • PAUL BASKEN, WASHINGTON, Feb. 28
  • Senate Republican leader Bob Dole
  • Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle
  • White House press secretary Mike McCurry
  • President Clinton
  • Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah
  • Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho
  • Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga.
  • Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va.
  • Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio
  • House Speaker Newt Gingrich

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