A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Senate Joint Resolution

S.J.Res. 97

119th Congress

A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 20, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jon Husted

R - OH

Cosponsors

2

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. Congress would have 10 years to achieve balance, with expenditures and receipts matching over time, excluding debt payments and borrowing.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. Congress would have 10 years to achieve balance, with expenditures and receipts matching over time, excluding debt payments and borrowing.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Proposes constitutional amendment requiring balanced federal budget
Expenditures must equal receipts, excluding debt payments
Balance may occur over more than one year
Congress must achieve balance within 10 years of ratification
Emergency spending allowed with two-thirds vote of both chambers
Emergency debts must be repaid as soon as practicable
Requires ratification by three-fourths of states within 7 years

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Would fundamentally constrain federal fiscal policy, affecting all federal programs and spending, economic stabilization during recessions, national defense funding flexibility, and entitlement programs.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

97, 119th Congress (2025). "A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sjres-97