US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HJR7

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed amendment places a significant check on congressional compensation, linking it directly to the timely passage of budget resolutions. Supporters of the bill argue that this will incentivize Congress to prioritize budget discussions and prevent delays in enacting fiscal policies. If this amendment were to pass, it could foster a more efficient legislative process, as members might be more motivated to come to an agreement on funding allocations, thus ensuring government services and operations are adequately financed.

Summary

HJR7 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that aims to increase fiscal responsibility among Members of Congress. The resolution states that no Member of Congress shall receive compensation during a fiscal year unless both the House and Senate agree on a concurrent resolution concerning the budget for that fiscal year prior to its commencement. This initiative seeks to ensure that Congress is fully accountable for its budgetary decisions, thereby encouraging timely negotiations and the passing of budget resolutions.

Contention

Despite the potential for positive impact, there are concerns regarding the implications of this amendment. Critics argue that tying compensation to budget resolutions could further complicate partisan gridlock, as members may face extreme pressure during budget negotiations. This could be particularly problematic in times of economic uncertainty, where immediate funding is crucial for ongoing government operations. Additionally, there are worries that such a measure could disproportionately affect Members of Congress who may already be facing electoral vulnerabilities during negotiation periods.

Congress_id

119-HJRES-7

Policy_area

Congress

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HJR2

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.

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 HJR46

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.

US HCR15

Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.

US HCR45

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION calling on the United States Congress to submit to the states for ratification a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution and making a formal application to Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call a convention for the sole purpose of proposing for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution which requires a balanced federal budget.

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 HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

US SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

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. 

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.