Govoptes

HJRES 3 · Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Introduced
Jan 3, 2025
Latest action
Jan 3, 2025
Sponsor
Rep. Vern Buchanan [R-FL-16]
Policy area
Economics and Public Finance
Cosponsors
1

Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States unless two-thirds of each chamber of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to impose a new tax, increase the statutory rate of any tax, or increase the aggregate amount of revenue. It requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber to increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts or 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States. The amendment prohibits a court from ordering a revenue increase to enforce the requirements. Congress may waive specified requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Recent actions

  1. Jan 3, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  2. Jan 3, 2025 Introduced in House
  3. Jan 3, 2025 Introduced in House

Votes

No recorded votes are available for this bill.

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