House votes 253-167 to require balanced budget date from President Obama

 

The Republican-led House passed legislation Wednesday that would force President Obama to estimate when the federal budget will balance again — and outline the steps he proposes to eliminate the budget deficit.

The Require a PLAN Act is part of a new Republican attempt to force Obama and the Democratic Senate to engage in efforts to cut the deficit. Republicans have roundly criticized Obama for submitting late budgets that don't balance, and the Senate for failing to produce any budget plan at all in nearly four years.

As expected, the House approved the bill in a mostly party-line 253-167 vote, although 26 Democrats went against their leaders and supported the legislation. Most of the Democrats who voted yes are politically vulnerable in 2014. Reps. Bruce Braley (Iowa) and John Barrow (Ga.), who are considering Senate bids, voted with the GOP. Senate-hopeful Rep. Paul Broun (Ga.) was the only Republican to vote no.

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