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.

# Summary of HJRES 9 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require Congress to approve any increase in the national debt with a supermajority vote—specifically, three-fourths of members in both the House and Senate. Currently, Congress can raise the debt limit through a simple majority vote. If passed, this amendment would make it much harder for the government to borrow money, as it would require significantly more legislative support than is needed today. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The amendment would affect the federal government's ability to manage its finances and, by extension, Americans who depend on government programs and services. Any increase to the debt ceiling—the legal limit on how much the U.S.

can borrow—would need approval from a much larger congressional majority. Supporters argue this could reduce government spending and deficits, while critics worry it could make it harder to fund essential programs, respond to emergencies, or manage economic crises. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. Constitutional amendments require approval from two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and then ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures to become law, making this a lengthy process with a high bar for passage.