Later this week the U.S. House is expected to vote on a balanced budget amendment that was introduced by a Congressman from the valley.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte says the amendment would help the economy by driving down the deficit and sending an example to the world that America's finances are under control.

It would require the federal government to have a balanced budget except in times of war, or unless a supermajority votes to run a deficit.

But his opponent in the next year's election says it would be fiscally irresponsible to pass that amendment.

Dr. Andrew Schmookler is a candidate for Virginia 6th district against Goodlatte.

Schmookler says he does not like the balanced budget amendment and says the right step to take is to spend more money.
"It's going to take away from government the major tools it has to help. We need to run surpluses during the boom times and then run deficits during the bust times. And that helps even things out and keeps people's lives from being disrupted.

Schmookler also says this is the time to borrow more money to help put people back to work.

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