WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJRES 2

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Biggs

Proposes a constitutional amendment forcing a yearly balanced budget: federal outlays may not exceed receipts; takes effect only after 38 states ratify.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJRES 2

Summary of HJRES 2 — Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment

Overview

HJRES 2 is a House Joint Resolution introduced on January 3, 2025, in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment that would establish an annual balanced-budget requirement for the federal government. The amendment would take effect only if it is ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 of 50).

Key Provisions

  • Article proposed: “Total outlays for any fiscal year shall not exceed total receipts for that fiscal year.”
  • Effect: Creates an annual constraint on federal spending, tying outlays to receipts (revenues) for that year.
  • Ratification process: The proposed amendment becomes part of the Constitution only after ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Note: The introduced text, as provided, does not specify exceptions (e.g., emergencies, deficits, or debt-related carve-outs). It states a straightforward annual cap on outlays relative to receipts.

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: January 3, 2025
  • Status: Introduced in the House; referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on the same day.
  • Primary sponsor: Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ).

Sponsor and Related Bills

  • Sponsor: Andy Biggs (primary)
  • Related Bills (Companions): HJRES 10 and HJRES 11 (bills with the same or similar intent in companion form)

Affected Parties and Potential Impacts

  • Federal government: The amendment would require annual outlays to not exceed receipts, potentially limiting discretionary and mandatory spending levels unless revenues rise. In practice, this could constrain budgetary decisions, influencing programs across all federal departments and agencies.
  • Tax policy and revenue: To avoid outlay limitations, Congress might pursue revenue enhancements or structural reforms, depending on how strictly the amendment is interpreted and what, if any, exceptions are later included.
  • Economic implications: Depending on how the constraint is implemented and whether emergencies or other exceptions are provided, the amendment could affect fiscal flexibility during recessions or national emergencies.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • As a constitutional amendment proposal, it would require the traditional two-step process: passage by both Houses of Congress (and subsequent ratification by 38 state legislatures) for adoption.
  • If ratified, the amendment would become part of the Constitution and supersede existing statutory budgeting practices.

Conclusion

HJRES 2 seeks to enshrine a strict, annual balanced-budget mandate by tying federal outlays to receipts. It is currently in the early stage of consideration in the House (Judiciary Committee) with Rep. Andy Biggs as sponsor, and it has explicit companion measures (HJRES 10 and HJRES 11) that pursue the same goal.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.