Bills · HRES 981
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Res.HRES 981Economics and Public Finance
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should reduce and maintain the Federal unified budget deficit at or below 3 percent of gross domestic product.
INTRO JAN 7· LAST ACTION JAN 7
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
20BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Non-binding
- Commemorative
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis resolution matters because it highlights a major concern for many voters: the increasing national debt and the government's annual budget deficit. By setting a specific target (3% of GDP by 2030) and encouraging a path towards a balanced budget, it addresses fears about the long-term stability of the U.S. economy, the cost of living, and the nation's ability to respond to future crises.
If this 'sense of the House' leads to actual legislation and policies, it could mean a shift in how Congress and the President approach federal spending and revenue. Without such a commitment, the current trend of high deficits and growing national debt is projected to continue, potentially leading to higher interest rates, reduced government flexibility, and increased burden on future taxpayers, as detailed in the resolution's own 'whereas' clauses.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Declares that Congress should aim to reduce the annual federal budget deficit to 3 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or less by the end of fiscal year 2030.
This establishes a clear, specific, bipartisan-supported target for deficit reduction, providing a benchmark for future fiscal policy discussions.
PROVISION 02
Expresses that after reaching the 3 percent target, Congress should work towards achieving a balanced federal budget.
This sets an even more ambitious long-term goal for fiscal stability, aiming for the government to not spend more than it collects.
PROVISION 03
Calls for the President to submit budgets that are designed to meet and sustain this 3 percent deficit-to-GDP target.
This encourages the executive branch to align its budget proposals with the resolution's fiscal goals, promoting a unified approach.
PROVISION 04
Directs the House Committees on the Budget and Rules to recommend enforcement options and rule changes within 180 days to help meet the deficit target.
This initiates concrete steps within the House to implement mechanisms that could make adhering to the deficit target more likely.
PROVISION 05
Encourages the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) to analyze how major legislation affects progress toward the deficit target.
This aims to provide greater transparency and accountability by showing the fiscal impact of proposed laws on the stated goal.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 20
R· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
35
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 10 REP 10 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 7
Submitted in House
JAN 7
Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Resolution
NumberHRES 981
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 7, 2026
Last actionJan 7, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 7, 2026
House Res.HRES 981Economics and Public Finance
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should reduce and maintain the Federal unified budget deficit at or below 3 percent of gross domestic product.
INTRODUCED JAN 7, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 7, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
20
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
