Bills · HJRES 9
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Joint Res.HJRES 9Constitution and constitutional amendmentsLegislative rules and procedure
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.
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 3
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
3
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 bill matters because it proposes a fundamental change to how the U.S. government handles its finances and could significantly alter the balance of power in Washington. Currently, increasing the national debt (often referred to as raising the debt ceiling) usually requires a simple majority vote in Congress, though it often becomes a contentious political issue. This proposal would make it much harder to do so, requiring a supermajority of 75% of *all* members in both the House and Senate, not just those present and voting.
If this becomes law, it could force Congress to be much more disciplined with spending, potentially leading to lower national debt over time. However, it could also make it extremely difficult for the government to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies like wars, natural disasters, or severe economic recessions, which often require significant federal spending and borrowing. Voters should care because it could redefine the role of government in the economy and how it funds the services and protections they rely on.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits the United States Government from increasing its debt.
This is the core restriction on government borrowing, aiming to curb national debt growth.
PROVISION 02
Allows debt increases only for a specific purpose through a law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.
This sets an exceptionally high bar for any future government borrowing, requiring broad bipartisan consensus.
PROVISION 03
The proposed amendment must be ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after its submission.
This outlines the specific process and timeframe required for the amendment to become part of the Constitution.
PROVISION 04
The article (amendment) shall take effect beginning ten years after its ratification.
This delayed implementation provides a significant transition period for the government and economy to adjust to the new financial constraints.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
26
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 3 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 9
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 9Constitution and constitutional amendmentsLegislative rules and procedure
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.
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
1 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
