Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 9

119th Congress

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Steve Womack

Representative

Republican

AR-3

Cosponsors

3

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Summary

This constitutional amendment would prohibit the federal government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose approved by three-fourths of members in both the House and Senate. It would establish a supermajority requirement for any new federal borrowing.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This constitutional amendment would prohibit the federal government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose approved by three-fourths of members in both the House and Senate. It would establish a supermajority requirement for any new federal borrowing.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits the U.S. government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by a law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each chamber of Congress. </p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Proposes constitutional amendment on federal debt
Requires three-fourths vote to increase debt
Must specify purpose of new borrowing
Creates supermajority requirement for debt increases
Would significantly restrict deficit spending

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Federal borrowing would require near-unanimous congressional support, making debt increases extremely difficult. This would force spending cuts or tax increases to avoid debt. Critics argue it could prevent emergency responses while supporters say it enforces fiscal discipline.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Related Subjects

Budget deficits and national debt

Constitution and constitutional amendments

Legislative rules and procedure

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

9, 119th Congress (2025). "Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hjres-9