AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Over the last few days, we've taken the time to report to you about budgets and cuts and how that could affect you.  Now, United States Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) wants the federal government to be held more accountable.

21 U.S. Senators have introduced a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution. It would require the federal government to balance budgets and not allow deficit spending or tax increases unless approved.

Sen. Cornyn said in a statement,"Millions of working families across the country balance their checkbook every year, and their government should do the same. That is why passing a Balanced Budget Amendment must be the first priority of the 112th Congress," Cornyn said. "We are facing a fiscal crisis, and everyone agrees that our nation is on an unsustainable path. Unfortunately, Washington has a track record of failing to get its own books in order. We must set effective limits on spending, taxes, and require a balanced budget. I am proud to join Sen. Hatch, who has led the fight for a balanced budget amendment for years, in this effort. It is my hope that the Majority will join us and make this a top priority for the 112th Congress."

So we wanted to know how you feel about this new proposal, can it work? Is it a good idea?  "When this country was first started, one of the great comprises was by Alexander Hamilton, in order to unite the states actually assumed the debts of the states, so debt has always been part of this country," said Gabriel Lopez, an Austin lawyer. He continued saying, "the federal government has obligation that more than exceed what current revenues are, so the people have to understand this, if you to have a balanced budget, either that means draconian cuts, or it mean a high, high increase in taxes. This is just a talking point by Senator Cornyn, although I really like Senator Cornyn, this to me just seems like politicking and nice rhetoric, but nothing more than that.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. I don't think we need to be spending money we do not have and we definitely do not need to be borrowing any more money," said Sharan Stages, an Amarillo Resident. "I think budget questions are bigger than they first present themselves and I think it would be simple to say this is the right thing, don't take more than we take in, but I think it's more complicated than that, especially when it comes to the counties national budget," said Arlene Kasselman, an Amarillo Resident.

To see the full statement and the stipulations to the amendment, click here.