The Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation (FFSF) has announced the election of David M. Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General, as its new Chairman. This appointment signals the organization's intensified commitment to confronting the United States' escalating national debt and advocating for fiscal responsibility. The FFSF, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, aims to restore fiscal sanity and sustainability in Washington, D.C., with Walker's leadership poised to advance its mission through the pursuit of a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Walker brings extensive experience to the role, having served under multiple presidential administrations and received three presidential appointments with unanimous Senate confirmations. His background in public finance and governance positions him to lead the FFSF's strategic initiatives. The foundation's board includes distinguished leaders such as a former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a former state Attorney General, economic scholars, and political figures, providing diverse expertise to address complex fiscal challenges.
Central to the FFSF's strategy is advocating for a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment, which would be ratified by State Conventions of pledged delegates, mirroring the process used for the 21st Amendment. This approach is considered necessary due to the failure of traditional methods to control government growth and debt. The urgency of this mission is highlighted by the rapid increase in national debt, which Walker notes has risen from less than $1 trillion in 1979 to $35 trillion today, indicating a loss of control over the nation's finances that threatens economic and national security.
To achieve its objectives, the FFSF is pursuing multiple pathways, including legal action against Congress to compel action on Article V of the Constitution, which outlines a process for constitutional amendments through a Convention of States. The foundation is also supporting legislative efforts, such as H.C.R. 24 introduced in Congress last year, to mandate that Congress fulfill its Article V obligations. Walker's election as Chairman occurs at a critical time, with the national debt at unprecedented levels and the need for structural reform becoming increasingly apparent.
The FFSF's focus on a constitutional amendment represents a bold strategy to address a persistent issue that has resisted conventional solutions. If successful, this initiative could have profound implications for the nation's economic future, potentially reshaping government spending and debt management frameworks for generations. The foundation's work reflects growing concerns among policymakers and citizens about the long-term consequences of unchecked spending, aiming to create a lasting solution that enforces fiscal discipline beyond political cycles. As the FFSF advances under Walker's leadership, its progress will be closely watched for its potential impact on national fiscal policy and the broader economic landscape.
