Summary of HJRES 10: Balanced Budget Amendment Proposal
Bill Overview
Bill Number: HJRES 10
Title: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: January 03, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Purpose and Intent
HJRES 10 aims to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that mandates a balanced federal budget. The primary intent of this amendment is to ensure that total federal outlays do not exceed total federal receipts in any given fiscal year, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility and stability within the federal government.
Key Provisions
The proposed amendment includes the following key provisions:
- Balanced Budget Requirement: Total outlays for any fiscal year must not exceed total receipts for that fiscal year.
- Exceeding Outlays: If Congress wishes to exceed the total receipts, a supermajority is required:
- A three-fifths majority of the whole number of each House of Congress must approve the excess by a rollcall vote.
This provision is designed to limit government spending and prevent budget deficits unless there is significant legislative support for such action.
Affected Parties
The amendment would impact various stakeholders, including:
- Federal Government: It would impose stricter fiscal constraints on federal budgeting processes.
- Congress: Lawmakers would need to navigate the new requirement for a supermajority to authorize budget deficits, potentially altering legislative dynamics.
- Taxpayers and Citizens: The amendment aims to promote fiscal discipline, which could influence economic stability and taxpayer obligations.
Legislative Actions
- January 03, 2025: HJRES 10 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
Sponsors
The resolution is sponsored by:
- Primary Sponsor: Zachary Nunn
- Cosponsors: Ron Estes, Robert E. Latta, Ryan K. Zinke, Derek Schmidt, Ken Calvert, Rick W. Allen, Glenn Grothman, Michelle Fischbach, Tracey Mann, J. French Hill, Brett Guthrie, Erin Houchin, and Don Bacon.
Related Bills
HJRES 10 has several companion bills that address similar themes:
- HJRES 2
- HJRES 11
- HJRES 17
Conclusion
HJRES 10 represents a significant legislative effort to amend the U.S. Constitution to enforce a balanced budget requirement. If ratified, it would fundamentally change how the federal government manages its finances, requiring greater accountability and potentially reshaping fiscal policy in the United States. The resolution is currently under consideration in the House, with further actions pending.