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.
Impact
If enacted, HJR8 would significantly alter the legislative process related to appropriations by introducing a new layer of executive oversight over budgetary decisions. This change could streamline federal budget management by allowing the President to eliminate specific spending items without needing to veto the entire bill. Proponents argue that this power would lead to more responsible fiscal policy and reduce unnecessary government spending, ultimately enhancing efficiency in federal budgeting.
Summary
HJR8 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would grant the President the authority to exercise a line item veto on appropriations within approved bills or joint resolutions. Specifically, under the proposed amendment, the President could reduce an appropriation in such bills, allowing that modified amount to become law unless Congress votes to disapprove the reduction. This proposed method aims to provide the President with a mechanism to manage federal spending more effectively and curtail excessive or unwanted expenditures.
Contention
However, the proposal has raised concerns among some lawmakers and advocacy groups who view it as a potential overreach of presidential power. Critics argue that the line item veto could undermine congressional authority and disturb the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. By allowing the President to unilaterally alter appropriations, there is a fear that essential funding for programs backed by Congress could be jeopardized, leading to significant consequences for federal programs and initiatives.
Congress_id
119-HJRES-8
Policy_area
Economics and Public Finance
Notable_points
The amendment would require ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, indicating that any change in this direction would necessitate a broad consensus across various political landscapes. The ongoing debate surrounding HJR8 highlights the tension between executive authority and legislative oversight in the federal budget process, illustrating the complexities of reforming spending practices in the United States.
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.
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.
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)
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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.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed license amendment for the export to Israel of certain defense articles and services.
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