Bills · HJRES 6
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Joint Res.HJRES 6Constitution and constitutional amendmentsLegislative rules and procedure
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 3
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
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 away from the current system where it often runs deficits and accumulates debt. If it becomes law, it would force Congress and the President to make difficult choices about spending and taxes, potentially leading to more fiscal discipline and a reduction in the national debt. Voters concerned about government debt and long-term financial stability might see this as a positive step.
On the other hand, if it doesn't become law, the government would continue to have the flexibility to spend more than it takes in, which allows for responses to economic downturns, funding for large national initiatives, or maintaining existing programs without immediate tax increases. Voters who prioritize government services, economic stimulus, or quick responses to unforeseen crises might be concerned about the limitations a balanced budget amendment could impose.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires total government spending (outlays) in any given year to not exceed total government income (receipts).
This is the core principle, aiming to prevent the government from running annual budget deficits.
PROVISION 02
Allows Congress to override the balanced budget rule and spend more than it takes in if two-thirds of the members in both the House and Senate vote to do so.
Provides a safety valve for exceptional circumstances while still making deficit spending difficult.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that the President submit a budget proposal to Congress each year where projected spending does not exceed projected income.
Ensures that the initial budget proposal from the executive branch aligns with the balanced budget requirement.
PROVISION 04
Allows Congress to temporarily set aside the balanced budget requirement during official declarations of war, national emergencies, or natural disasters.
Provides necessary flexibility for the government to respond to major unforeseen events without being constrained by budget limits.
PROVISION 05
The amendment would not take effect immediately upon ratification, but rather beginning with the fifth fiscal year after it is adopted.
Provides a transition period for the government to adjust to the new financial rules and prepare for implementation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
86
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Joint Resolution
NumberHJRES 6
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Last actionJan 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025
House Joint Res.HJRES 6Constitution and constitutional amendmentsLegislative rules and procedure
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
