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.
Impact
The proposed amendment would impact federal fiscal policy by ensuring that any increase in government debt must be justifiable and sanctioned by a supermajority in Congress. It seeks to curb unchecked government spending and align federal practices with the principles of strict budget management. Consequently, this could mean a decrease in funding for various federal initiatives, particularly in times of economic crisis when increased borrowing might be necessary to stimulate the economy or fund essential services.
Summary
HJR9 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would limit the federal government's ability to increase its debt, requiring a specific purpose approved by a law adopted by three-fourths of each House of Congress. This significant legislative effort aims to establish more stringent controls over government borrowing, a contentious topic in fiscal policy discussions. If ratified, it would enforce a constitutional limitation significantly altering how federal borrowing is managed, paving the way for a potential shift towards more fiscally responsible governance.
Contention
The introduction of HJR9 is likely to elicit a range of responses from lawmakers and advocacy groups alike. Proponents argue that such a constitutional amendment is crucial to preventing governmental overreach and ensuring taxpayers are not burdened with excessive debt accumulation. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the potential limitations this would impose on necessary government spending during emergencies, highlighting that requiring a supermajority could hinder quick legislative action in critical situations. The balance between fiscal responsibility and the capacity for responsive governance is at the heart of this debate.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that new States may be admitted to the United States upon a concurrence of two thirds of each house of Congress.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.