Governors Gianforte and DeSantis Call for Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

HELENA, Mont. – Yesterday, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met at the Montana State Capitol to advocate for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, arguing that such a measure is necessary to address the ongoing issue of federal overspending.

Governor Gianforte criticized the current fiscal management in Washington, stating, “In Washington, they’ve been spending like drunken sailors – that is not what our Founders envisioned. We need a change, and fast, to prevent our children and grandchildren from inheriting this mess and we can’t expect Washington to impose permanent fiscal restraints on itself. That’s why we need a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.”

Highlighting the nation’s fiscal woes, Gov. DeSantis emphasized that the federal government needs to adopt the fiscal discipline similar to that of the states, many of which already have balanced budget requirements. He pointed out that “Congress will never cut off the spending spigot voluntarily. We the People must stop the gravy train. That’s why people across the country should advocate for their state to join those 27 others and call for a Balanced Budget Amendment.”

The proposed amendment would require the federal government to spend within its earned revenues, imposing a fiscal discipline that is absent due to the current lack of constitutional restrictions on borrowing. This is highlighted by the failure of Congress to pass a budget timely, with no yearly budget being passed on time since 1996 despite the Budget Control Act of 1974.

Both governors also applauded the efforts made by President Donald Trump to reduce unnecessary federal expenditures and expose operational inefficiencies, which they believe should pave the way for a permanent fiscal responsibility amendment. They also drew attention to Gov. Gianforte’s legislative history as a Congressman and his efforts as Montana’s governor to eliminate the state’s general obligation debt, which saved Montana taxpayers $40 million over two years.