Cut, Cap, and Balance

Conservative groups, including Eagle Forum,  rolled out a pledge aimed at reining in the budget deficit, and will be rating lawmakers on how they measure up on that task.

The pledge, written by a coalition of more than 40 conservative groups, calls on lawmakers and candidates to oppose any debt limit increase unless all three of the following conditions have been met:

1. Cut - Substantial cuts in spending that will reduce the deficit next year and thereafter.

2. Cap - Enforceable spending caps that will put federal spending on a path to a balanced budget.

3. Balance - Congressional passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution -- but only if it includes both a spending limitation and a super-majority for raising taxes, in addition to balancing revenues and expenses.