Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced S.J. Res. 10, legislation to amend the Constitution to require a balanced budget every year, and to limit spending to 18% of U.S. gross domestic product.  This legislation's draconian spending cap would undercut the federal government's abilities to meet its core commitments, including protecting our air, water, wildlife, and lands.  Independent economic analysts projected catastrophic consequences if a balanced budget amendment were already in place for FY12.  On December 14, the Senate rejected this resolution by a vote of 47-53 (Senate roll call vote 229).  NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.  The House voted on a series of balanced budget amendments; however, no such proposals made it to the President's desk.