Bill · H.J.Res. 6· House(119-HJRES-6)
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Fitzpatrick
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to require the United States Government to maintain balanced budgets. It mandates that total outlays must not exceed total receipts for any fiscal year. Exceptions can be made through a rollcall vote by two-thirds of each House of Congress. Other waivers are possible during a declaration of war, a national emergency, or a natural disaster via joint resolution. The President must transmit a proposed budget where outlays do not exceed receipts. This article would take effect starting with the fifth fiscal year after ratification.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+7
The amendment establishes a constitutional requirement for disciplined fiscal management.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?+6
The mandate for balanced budgets aims to curb deficit spending and long-term debt accumulation.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+5
By requiring outlays not to exceed receipts, the bill necessitates tighter control over federal expenditures.
The opposite· 3 of 11
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?-3
Budgetary constraints may make it more difficult to increase or maintain funding for entitlements like Medicare.
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?-3
Strict spending limits could limit the ability to expand or increase Medicaid funding.
Does this send more money or help to other countries?-3
The requirement to balance the budget may lead to reductions in international aid allocations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Balanced Budget Requirement: Section 1 requires that total outlays for any fiscal year shall not exceed total receipts unless a specific excess is provided by law. This aims to ensure the government operates within its means.
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Emergency Flexibility: Sections 3, 4, and 5 allow Congress to waive the balanced budget requirement during a declaration of war, a national emergency, or a natural disaster. This provides a way for the government to respond to significant crises or events.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Budgetary Constraints: Section 1 establishes a rule that total outlays cannot exceed total receipts without a two-thirds vote from each House of Congress. This could limit the government's ability to spend money unless these strict requirements are met.
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Delayed Implementation: Section 7 states that the article shall take effect beginning with the fifth fiscal year beginning after its ratification. This creates a multi-year gap between the amendment being ratified and the rules actually applying to the government.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+7Reduces National Debt+6Reduces Government Spending+5Reduces Inflation+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Medicaid Funding-3Increases Medicare Funding-3Improves Pandemic Preparedness-2Improves Veterans Healthcare-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households-2Good For Retirees-2Good For Seniors-2Good For Veterans-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security-3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A-2
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House