While the need for fiscal responsibility is unquestioned. a balanced budget constitutional amendment is the wrong mechanism to use to reduce the enormous federal deficit and achieve a balanced budget. This amendment would pose grave risks to the U.S. economy. threaten the already precarious situation of state and local governments around the country. and have long term negative impacts on programs central to the American Jewish community. Programs that target the economically disadvantaged refugee resettlement. and foreign aid are but a few of the initiatives that would be devastated if a balanced budget provision was amended to the Constitution--Judith Kahn. Area Director. The American Jewish Committee.