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Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Proposed Constitutional Amendment Would Require 75% Vote in Congress to Increase National Debt

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 make it much harder for the federal government to borrow money. Under this rule, the government could only increase its debt if three-fourths of the members in both the House and Senate vote 'yes' for a specific purpose.
  • Currently, Congress can increase the debt limit with a simple majority vote. By requiring a 75% supermajority, this policy aims to force lawmakers to balance the budget or find broad agreement before adding to the national debt.
  • If the amendment is approved by Congress and the states, the new rules would not start immediately. There would be a 10-year waiting period after it is officially added to the Constitution before the debt restrictions take effect.
  • To become law, this proposal must first pass both the House and Senate with a two-thirds vote. After that, 38 out of 50 state legislatures would need to approve it within seven years for it to become a permanent part of the Constitution.
Economy Finance

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 3, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 3, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

1 article
The Hill·about 1 year ago

McClintock Introduces Fiscal Discipline Measures for 119th Congress

A report on the opening of the 119th Congress detailing Rep. Tom McClintock's legislative package, which includes H.J.Res.9. The resolution seeks to amend the Constitution to prohibit debt increases without a 75% supermajority in both the House and Senate for a specific, legally defined purpose.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

Bill NumberHJRES 9
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)
R: 3

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.