Before a sympathetic audience Saturday, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran argued that the federal government should have to balance its budget — only spend what it takes in — just as states do.

The only way to do that is to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Moran said.

It will take that step, he said, because elected officialshaven't been willing to do it themselves.

Some political observers, however, argue that a federal balanced budget requirement would invite problems, partly because it is hard to define and would be cumbersome and impractical to enforce. Democrats have argued it would cause painful cuts in critical programs such as Medicaid, and Medicare.

Moran, speaking to a gathering in west Wichita hosted by Republican Women United, called for a "smaller, more frugal government."

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