Constitutional amendment
 

Senator Lemieux, the junior senator from FL, has proposed an amendment to the Constitution. In a nutshell it proposes;

1. A balanced budget clause requiring income to equal or exceed outgo.

2. In order to help implement said budget, the PotUS will get a line-item veto.

Both of these proposals have been desired by some factions of our politicians for years. In fact, I think the PotUS had the line-item veto for a while, but it was ruled Unconstitutional by our SCotUS. A line-item veto amendment, if passed, would be a big increase in Presidential power, some folks think. If an amendment like this ever makes it to the states for ratification it probably has a good chance of being passed, since many state governors already have the line-item veto AND many states are required to have balanced budgets.
Go here for the announcement http://lemieux.senate.gov/public/?p=...e-3b472eca9150


What are the odds of this amendment even making it to the States?

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

I don't know what the odds are, but I'll spot you 25 states... The powers that be won't let it happen sounds great but don't hold your breath.

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

I agree, don't see it happening either.

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

Never happen. Congress will never limit their own spending that way.

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

Not that I agree with poor budgeting practices like deficit spending, but limiting the Leglislative's power may upset the 'checks and balances'.

A line item veto could be used on minority party items in Bills giving The POTUS disproportionate power.



Why gimp the Leglislative and over-power the Executive?

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

If I have to explain, you may not understand. This would be ideal for any sitting Pres that didn't have a majority in either house.

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

I presume this would be able to be overturned during a major war ( not just a conflict)

Spending large in a downturn is a proven way out, the trouble is trusting a government to build up a surplus and cutting spending in the good times - something your previous administration had no concept of.

Re: Constitutional amendment
 

In the end it all comes down to how greedy they are, and you should never underestimate a greedy person in a position of power.