Urging Congress to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to require the federal government to operate under a balanced budget wherein federal government expenditures do not exceed federal government revenues.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Bonham

Urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment for a balanced federal budget (expenditures never exceed revenues); a memorial, not enforceable state law.

In committee upon adjournment.

Purpose and intent

SJM 6 is a joint memorial that urges the United States Congress to propose a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to operate under a balanced budget, specifically ensuring that federal expenditures do not exceed federal revenues. As a memorial, the measure expresses the state legislature’s support for a constitutional change rather than creating new state law.

Key provisions and changes

Nature: The bill is a joint memorial, not substantive legislation. It does not enact fiscal policy or create enforceable state requirements.

Core ask: Urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would mandate a balanced federal budget (expenditures never exceed revenues).

Scope: Focuses on federal fiscal policy; does not detail the precise mechanics or exceptions of a potential amendment within the memorial itself.

No implementation provisions for the state; any policy effect would be external, in guiding federal action.

Who or what is affected

Federal government: The memorial aims to influence federal fiscal policy by encouraging a constitutional constraint on deficits.

State machinery: The state legislature expresses its position; there is no immediate binding effect on state operations.

Public and stakeholders: Signals legislative sentiment to constituents, policymakers, and federal officials.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: January 13, 2025 (introduced and assigned first reading).

Referral: January 13, 2025 – referred to the President’s desk; January 17, 2025 – referred to Rules.

Status: In committee upon adjournment as of June 28, 2025.

Next steps: If the committee advances the memorial, it would typically proceed through standard legislative channels for formal approval by the state Senate/House and be conveyed to Congress as a position statement. As a memorial, it does not itself alter law but represents legislative support.

Potential impact and considerations

Political impact: Signals strong support within the state for a federal balanced-budget amendment and may influence federal discussions or public debate.

Legal/constitutional impact: A successful federal amendment would have wide-ranging fiscal constraints; however, this bill does not itself implement any change, only urges action at the federal level.

Considerations for readers: Balanced-budget discussions often involve debates about economic flexibility, emergencies, and enforcement mechanisms; the memorial does not specify these details.

Bill