Bill · H.R. 1092· House(119-HR-1092)
Responsible Budgeting Act
- Introduced
- 2/6/2025
- Last activity
- 2/6/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Scott Peters
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Responsible Budgeting Act proposes changes to the way the United States manages its debt limit. It creates a process where a budget resolution can automatically increase the debt limit if it meets a specific debt-to-GDP ratio. Additionally, it allows the President to increase the debt limit through a written notification if Congress fails to act by a certain date. The bill also establishes expedited procedures for Congress to consider and potentially disapprove of these debt-related actions. Finally, it outlines how alternative debt reduction proposals can be introduced and considered in both the House and the Senate.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?+6
The bill requires debt reduction proposals to meet a required ratio that reduces the debt-to-GDP ratio by at least 5 percentage points over ten years.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
The bill establishes a structured process for addressing the debt limit through specific debt-to-GDP ratio targets.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
A more stable fiscal environment and managed debt levels can benefit the business climate.
The opposite
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
The bill implements expedited and restricted legislative procedures that limit the duration of public debate and amendment processes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Automatic Debt Limit Increases: If Congress adopts a budget resolution that meets the required debt-to-GDP ratio, the debt limit increases automatically, which could prevent debt limit stalemates (Section 2(a)).
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Presidential Authority for Continuity: If Congress does not act, the President can submit a notification to increase the debt limit to meet existing commitments, providing a fallback to ensure financial obligations are met (Section 2(a)3(1)).
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Structured Debt Reduction: The bill requires debt reduction proposals to meet a "required ratio" that aims to reduce the projected debt-to-GDP ratio by at least 5 percentage points over ten years (Section 2(a)5(1)).
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Expedited Legislative Processes: The bill provides specific, fast-tracked procedures for both the House and the Senate to consider debt reduction or disapproval measures, which could lead to quicker decision-making (Section 2(c) and 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Debate and Deliberation: The bill implements several rules that limit debate on debt-related resolutions, such as non-debatable motions to proceed and strictly timed floor considerations (Section 2(c)3 and 2(d)3).
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Reduced Congressional Input via Presidential Notification: Under certain conditions, the President can increase the debt limit via written notification, which takes effect after 30 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval (Section 2(a)2(A)).
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Strict Rules for Senate Proposals: For alternative debt reduction proposals to be considered in the Senate, they must meet specific requirements, including a three-fifths vote to proceed (Section 2(e)3(a)).
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Restrictions on Amendments: Many of the procedures established for considering debt-related resolutions prohibit the use of amendments, which limits the ability of lawmakers to modify the text (Section 2(e)).
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
- Reduces National Debt+6Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For High Income Households+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency-2
- 2/6/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Bill HuizengaRepublican · Michigan
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California