Bills · HJRES 11
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Joint Res.HJRES 11Income tax ratesConstitution and constitutional amendments
.Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution requiring that each agency and department's funding is justified.
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 3
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
4
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis proposed amendment matters because it aims to fundamentally reshape the U.S. government's financial policies and its approach to managing the national debt. If it becomes law, it would prevent the government from consistently spending more money than it brings in, which could lead to a reduction in the national debt over time and potentially more stable economic conditions by curbing inflation caused by excessive borrowing. Proponents believe this would lead to more responsible and accountable government spending.
However, it could also make it much more challenging for the government to respond quickly and effectively to recessions, natural disasters, or other emergencies that require significant, immediate spending. For instance, during an economic crisis, the government might be limited in its ability to stimulate the economy through increased spending or tax cuts, unless a supermajority of Congress agrees to override the rules. Voters would need to consider whether the benefits of mandatory fiscal discipline outweigh the potential loss of flexibility in times of need and the increased difficulty in funding new initiatives or maintaining existing programs.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires total government spending in any year to not exceed total revenue, unless 3/5 of Congress votes to allow a specific deficit.
This provision aims to eliminate annual budget deficits, forcing the government to operate within its means unless there's broad bipartisan agreement to spend more.
PROVISION 02
Sets an overall cap on government spending, starting at 20% of GDP and gradually decreasing, but not below 16% of GDP.
This creates a long-term limit on the size of the federal government relative to the national economy, potentially leading to smaller government or more efficient use of funds.
PROVISION 03
Requires any increase in the national debt limit or any new revenue (tax) increase bill to be approved by a 3/5 roll call vote in both houses of Congress.
This makes it significantly harder to increase the national debt or raise taxes, giving a minority in Congress more power to block such measures.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that each government department and agency justify all proposed funding line by line, including an alternative lower funding level for critical missions.
This provision aims to increase transparency and accountability in government spending by requiring detailed explanations and exploring cost-saving options for every part of the budget.
PROVISION 05
Allows the strict budget rules to be waived during declared war, certain military conflicts, national security threats, or natural disasters, with a 2/3 vote in Congress.
This provides a mechanism for the government to respond to major emergencies without being strictly bound by the budget rules, offering some flexibility in critical times.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 4
R· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
54
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Joint Resolution
NumberHJRES 11
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Last actionJan 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025
House Joint Res.HJRES 11Income tax ratesConstitution and constitutional amendments
.Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution requiring that each agency and department's funding is justified.
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
4
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
