Bills · S 45
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 45Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementIncome tax rates
Balanced Budget Accountability Act
INTRO JAN 9· LAST ACTION JAN 9
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the persistent issue of federal budget deficits and the growing national debt by creating a strong personal incentive for lawmakers. Many voters are concerned about the long-term financial health of the country and the potential burden on future generations. If this bill becomes law, it could significantly alter how Congress approaches the annual budget process, potentially leading to more focused efforts to reduce spending or reform revenue policies.
Without this law, Members of Congress do not face direct financial consequences for failing to pass a balanced budget, and the current trend of deficits is likely to continue. With the law, the personal financial stake for lawmakers could lead to more contentious budget debates but also potentially more discipline in fiscal decision-making. The requirement for a supermajority to raise revenue could make it harder for the government to increase its income, further limiting options to balance the budget and potentially necessitating more spending cuts.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
If a House of Congress does not adopt a specific type of balanced budget by April 16th for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the salaries of its members will be held in an escrow account.
This creates a direct financial consequence for lawmakers if they fail to pass a budget that meets the bill's definition of balanced in the initial years.
PROVISION 02
For fiscal year 2028 and all subsequent years, if a House of Congress does not adopt a balanced budget by April 16th, its members' annual pay will be reduced to $1 for the remainder of that calendar year.
This provision establishes a very significant, ongoing financial penalty designed to compel long-term fiscal responsibility from Congress.
PROVISION 03
A "balanced budget" is defined as one where total government spending (outlays) does not exceed total income (receipts), and total outlays are not more than 18% of the country's projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This sets a specific and strict target for congressional budgeting, going beyond simply matching income and expenses to also limit the overall size of government spending relative to the economy.
PROVISION 04
Any bill or amendment that increases government revenue (like raising taxes) will require an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members of that House of Congress to pass.
This provision makes it significantly harder to increase taxes, potentially forcing Congress to focus more on spending cuts to achieve a balanced budget.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
65
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 9
Introduced in Senate
JAN 9
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 45
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 9, 2025
Last actionJan 9, 2025
READER REACTIONS
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 9, 2025
Senate BillS 45Government employee pay, benefits, personnel managementIncome tax rates
Balanced Budget Accountability Act
INTRODUCED JAN 9, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 9, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
