The House voted 261-165 on Friday to reject a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. The vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to amend the Constitution.
Four House Republicans voted against the measure including conservative champion Rep. Paul Ryan. 25 Democrats voted with Republicans.
“I’m concerned that this version will lead to a much bigger government fueled by more taxes.” said Paul Ryan in a statement to the Washington Examiner, “Spending is the problem, yet this version of the Balanced Budget Amendment makes it more likely taxes will be raised, government will grow, and economic freedom will be diminished. Without a limit on government spending, I cannot support this Amendment.”
Representiatives Justin Amash, David Dreier, Louie Gohmert were the other three Republicans who voted no on the measure.
