US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HJR2

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If adopted, this balanced budget amendment could lead to significant changes in how federal budgets are formulated and executed. It would require Congress to enact spending plans that align with actual revenues, which proponents argue would prevent excessive debt accumulation and foster a more sustainable fiscal environment. The potential repercussions include cuts to federal programs, as lawmakers might prioritize spending reductions to comply with the new constitutional mandate.

Summary

HJR2 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at enforcing fiscal discipline at the federal level. The core provisions of the resolution mandate that total outlays for any fiscal year cannot exceed total receipts, thereby establishing a balanced budget requirement. Additionally, it restricts any increase in the national debt held by the public, effectively capping the country's borrowing limit. This amendment seeks to promote greater accountability and transparency in federal financial management.

Adoption

The resolution has garnered attention in both financial and political discourse. Supporters emphasize the importance of a disciplined fiscal approach to safeguard future generations from unsustainable debt levels. Conversely, those opposed warn that, in practice, the limitation on fiscal tools available to Congress could exacerbate economic challenges and limit essential public services during periods of need.

Contention

Debate around HJR2 might center on the balance between fiscal prudence and the need for flexibility in federal spending. Critics of a balanced budget amendment argue that it could hinder the government's ability to respond effectively during economic downturns or crises, where additional funding might be necessary. Moreover, concerns have been raised that the two-thirds requirement for increasing revenues could make it exceedingly difficult to raise taxes or modify tax policies, potentially stifling economic growth and public investment.

Congress_id

119-HJRES-2

Policy_area

Economics and Public Finance

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

US HJR11

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.

US HJR10

Related bill Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Previously Filed As

US HJR17

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.

US HJR6

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.

US HJR11

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.

US HJR7

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.

US HJR9

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.

US HJR8

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that authorizes the President to use a line item veto to reduce an appropriation in a bill or joint resolution. Under the amendment, the President must notify Congress within 10 days of using this authority to reduce an appropriation. The House and Senate may then consider disapproval of the reduction. If at least two-thirds of each chamber of Congress votes to disapprove the reduction, the amount of the appropriation that is subject to the reduction must be returned to the amount that was originally presented to the President.

US SJR2

This joint resolution proposes constitutional amendments that (1) authorize the President to reduce or disapprove any appropriation in a bill or joint resolution using a line-item veto; (2) prohibit Members of Congress from serving more than six terms in the House of Representatives or two terms in the Senate; and (3) prohibit a chamber of Congress from agreeing to legislation that imposes, authorizes, or raises any tax or fee unless the legislation contains no other subject and is agreed to by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the chamber. 

US HJR14

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment repealing the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1913, specifies that Congress may collect federal income taxes.

US HJR16

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to lower the minimum age for the right to vote from 18 to 16.

US SJR1

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.