Overview: HJRES 110, Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States, was introduced in the House on July 23, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the federal government to balance its budget annually. The goal is to limit government spending and reduce the national debt.
Key Provisions:
- Requires the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress each fiscal year.
- Prohibits Congress from approving a budget that would result in a deficit, except in times of war or economic recession.
- Allows for a three-fifths majority vote in both the House and Senate to temporarily waive the balanced budget requirement.
- Requires a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers to increase the federal debt limit.
Affected Parties and Impacts: If enacted, this constitutional amendment would affect the federal government's budgeting and spending processes, potentially leading to spending cuts or revenue increases to achieve a balanced budget. It could also impact government programs and services that rely on federal funding.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: As a constitutional amendment, HJRES 110 would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate, as well as ratification by three-fourths of the states, before it could take effect. The process for amending the Constitution is lengthy and challenging.