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

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 10

119th Congress

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

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

David Schweikert

Representative

Republican

AZ-1

Cosponsors

15

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Summary

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget each year, prohibiting spending more than it collects in revenue unless Congress approves by a supermajority vote.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget each year, prohibiting spending more than it collects in revenue unless Congress approves by a supermajority vote.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. It prohibits a bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless it has been approved by a majority roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive these requirements due to a declaration of war or a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires balanced federal budget annually
Needs 3/5 vote to exceed spending limits
Needs 3/5 vote to raise debt ceiling
President must submit balanced budgets
Waiver allowed for military conflicts

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If ratified, this would fundamentally change federal fiscal policy, potentially requiring significant spending cuts or tax increases. Government programs, federal employees, and beneficiaries of federal spending could all be affected.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Related Subjects

Budget deficits and national debt

Constitution and constitutional amendments

Economic performance and conditions

Income tax rates

Legislative rules and procedure

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

10, 119th Congress (2025). "Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hjres-10