Bills · HJRES 17
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Joint Res.HJRES 17Presidents and presidential powers, Vice PresidentsConstitution and constitutional amendments
Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
INTRO JAN 13· LAST ACTION JAN 13
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it proposes a fundamental shift in how the U.S. government manages its finances, moving from a system where deficits are common to one that generally requires annual balance. If passed, it would force Congress and the President to make difficult choices about spending and taxes every year, potentially leading to significant cuts in government programs or increases in taxes to ensure outlays do not exceed receipts.
Voters should care because this change could impact everything from social security and healthcare funding to defense spending and infrastructure projects. It would also affect the government's ability to quickly respond to economic recessions or national crises by increasing spending to stimulate the economy or provide emergency relief. The bill aims to curb the national debt, which some see as a critical long-term issue, but opponents worry it could reduce necessary government functions and economic flexibility, especially during challenging times.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires total government spending (outlays) for any fiscal year not to exceed total government income (receipts) for that same year.
This provision is the core of the amendment, establishing a general rule of fiscal balance for the federal government.
PROVISION 02
Allows spending to exceed income only if two-thirds of the total membership of both the House and Senate vote by roll call to specifically allow for a deficit.
This provides a narrow escape clause for deficits, making it exceptionally difficult for the government to spend more than it collects, even in emergencies.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that the President submit a proposed budget to Congress each fiscal year where total outlays do not exceed total receipts.
This ensures that the initial budget proposal from the executive branch aligns with the balanced budget requirement, setting the tone for congressional deliberations.
PROVISION 04
Defines 'total receipts' as all government income except borrowed money, and 'total outlays' as all government spending except for repaying debt principal.
These definitions clarify what counts towards balancing the budget, ensuring that borrowing is not considered income and debt repayment is not considered new spending.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
31
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 13
Introduced in House
JAN 13
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Joint Resolution
NumberHJRES 17
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 13, 2025
Last actionJan 13, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2025
House Joint Res.HJRES 17Presidents and presidential powers, Vice PresidentsConstitution and constitutional amendments
Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 13, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
