This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts.
Impact
The potential impact of HJR17 on state laws is significant as it could set a precedent for stricter budgeting practices within states that may seek to mirror federal requirements. A balanced budget amendment at the federal level could drive states towards adopting similar fiscal policies, aiming to avoid deficits and manage public finances more conservatively. This could lead to changes in state tax collection, spending on public services, and overall financial management, compelling states to operate in a financially sustainable manner.
Summary
HJR17 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that mandates a balanced federal budget. This amendment stipulates that total outlays for any fiscal year cannot exceed total receipts unless a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate allows for a specific excess. The aim of this amendment is to enforce fiscal responsibility at the federal level by preventing the government from running a deficit. It necessitates that the President present a budget that adheres to this limitation prior to each fiscal year.
Contention
Notable contention surrounding HJR17 focuses on the implications it would have for government services and the economy. Critics argue that rigidly enforcing a balanced federal budget could stifle necessary government expenditures, particularly in economic downturns when increased spending might be needed to stimulate growth. Proponents, however, assert that such an amendment is crucial for preventing unsustainable debt levels and promoting responsible fiscal governance. This debate touches on broader discussions regarding the role of government in economic management and the balance between fiscal responsibility and necessary government intervention.
Related bill
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless (1) Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths vote of each chamber, and (2) total outlays do not exceed a specified percentage of the estimated gross domestic product of the United States. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber of Congress to increase revenue or increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. The President's budget must also include justifications and specified details regarding funding proposed for departments and agencies. Congress may waive the requirements due to a declaration of war, a military conflict, an event that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security, or a natural disaster.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays for the fiscal year do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive the requirements for any fiscal year in which (1) a declaration of war is in effect by a roll call vote, or (2) a declaration of a natural disaster or a national emergency is in effect that was declared by a joint resolution that became law after being adopted by a majority of each chamber of Congress.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless (1) Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths vote of each chamber, and (2) total outlays do not exceed a specified percentage of the estimated gross domestic product of the United States. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber of Congress to increase revenue or increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. The President's budget must also include justifications and specified details regarding funding proposed for departments and agencies. Congress may waive the requirements due to a declaration of war, a military conflict, an event that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security, or a natural disaster.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year.The amendment also prohibits (1) increases to the federal debt limit, and (2) a bill that increases revenue from becoming law unless the bill has been approved by two-thirds of each chamber of Congress with a roll call vote.
This joint resolution proposes amending the Constitution to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation unless both chambers have agreed to a fiscal year budget prior to the start of the fiscal year.The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification. The amendment applies beginning in the fiscal year after the amendment is ratified and becomes a valid part of the Constitution.Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.
Allows city of Providence to levy a tax in fiscal year 2026, in an amount not to exceed seven percent (7%) in excess of the total amount levied and certified by that city for its previous fiscal year.
A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Proposing a constitutional amendment changing the vote requirement in the legislature to approve a proposed constitutional amendment for submission to the voters of this state to two-thirds of the members present in each chamber of the legislature.