Balanced Budgets

If Republicans really want to balance the federal budget, they can do it this year and without a Balanced Budget Amendment. The BBA requires 290 votes in the House and 67 in the Senate. The amendment then has seven years to be ratified by the states, making 2002 the first year we could have a balanced budget. Congress can pass a balanced budget this year with only 218 votes in the House and 51 in the Senate.

There is no need to wait seven years, change the Constitution or subject the state legislatures to expensive and time-consuming amendment battles. The Republican leadership does not want to balance the budget any more than the Democratic leadership does. Both parties benefit from the current situation and the leadership of both parties is committed to the status quo.

JACK R. FARIS

Costa Mesa