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Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Congress Proposes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Federal Government to Balance the Budget

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This proposal would change the U.S. Constitution to require the federal government to spend only as much money as it brings in each year. Currently, the government often spends more than it collects in taxes, which adds to the national debt.
  • Under this rule, the President would be required to send a balanced budget to Congress every year. If Congress wants to spend more than the government earns, two-thirds of the members in both the House and Senate would have to vote to allow it.
  • There are exceptions for emergencies. Congress could pause the balanced budget requirement if the U.S. is at war, facing a national emergency, or dealing with a major natural disaster. This ensures the government can still act quickly during a crisis.
  • If passed by two-thirds of Congress and approved by three-fourths of the states, the rule would go into effect five years later. This delay gives the government time to adjust its spending and tax habits to meet the new requirements.
Economy Finance

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 3, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 3, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Five fiscal years after ratification

If ratified, the balanced budget requirement takes effect five fiscal years later

The five-year delay gives the government time to gradually adjust spending and taxes to meet the new requirement, but would still require dramatic changes to how the federal budget works.

Related News

3 articles
The Hill·4 months ago

One Vote Away: The Balanced-Budget Amendment That Almost Passed

This piece examines the historical context and current legislative push for a Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) in late 2025. It highlights Rep. Jodey Arrington’s resolution, which includes a 10-year gradual closure of the deficit and a two-thirds vote requirement for overrides.

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Oregon Capital Chronicle·about 1 year ago

Lawmakers introduce dozens of proposed constitutional amendments

The article reports on the flurry of constitutional amendment proposals at the start of the 2025 legislative session, including the federal balanced budget amendment. It notes that these proposals face steep hurdles but remain a top priority for fiscal conservatives in the 119th Congress.

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PBS News·5 months ago

Fact-checking what politicians are saying about the 2025 government shutdown

While primarily focused on the October 2025 government shutdown, the article provides context on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' and the accompanying demands from House Republicans for a constitutional balanced budget amendment as a condition for long-term funding.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.

Bill NumberHJRES 6
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.