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Proponents tell Idaho committee a balanced‑budget amendment is necessary to rein in federal debt
Summary
Supporters at the March 2 hearing argued the federal deficit is an accelerating crisis and said Article V is a legitimate constitutional tool to force congressional action. Witnesses cited $38.8 trillion in national debt and urged Idaho to join other states.
Advocates for HCR 25 told the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee the nation’s fiscal trajectory demands extraordinary measures. Loren Enns, leader of the National Balanced Budget Amendment Campaign, said the national debt stands at about $38.8 trillion and warned that continued borrowing risks catastrophic economic consequences.
Former U.S. Senator Larry Craig recounted his long engagement with the balanced‑budget amendment movement and said that because Congress has rarely produced sustained fiscal restraint, states must use Article V to pressure federal action. Tom Luna and other supporters said Idaho should not "sit on the sidelines" while other states press for change. "The national debt, now $38.8 trillion, is a severe and accelerating crisis," Enns said as he urged action.
