A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
A joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of S.J. Res. 97: Balanced Budget Amendment **What It Would Do** This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget, meaning it cannot spend more money than it receives in revenue. The government would have 10 years after the amendment is ratified to achieve this balance.
The amendment allows some flexibility—Congress could authorize extra spending during emergencies (like wars or disasters) if two-thirds of both the House and Senate vote to approve it, but any money borrowed for these emergencies would need to be repaid as quickly as possible. **Who It Affects** This amendment would fundamentally change how the federal government operates and could affect nearly every American by potentially limiting government spending on programs, services, and activities. It would constrain Congress's ability to respond to economic downturns, national emergencies, or other crises without extraordinary legislative action. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. To become law, this amendment would need to pass both the House and Senate by a two-thirds majority, then be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures—a high threshold requiring broad consensus.
CRS Official Summary
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that requires federal expenditures and receipts to be balanced, which may occur over more than one year.Under the amendment, expenditures include all federal expenditures except those for payment of debt. Receipts do not include receipts derived from borrowing.The amendment requires Congress to achieve balance within 10 years of the ratification of the amendment.In an emergency situation, Congress may authorize additional expenditures that are not otherwise permitted by the amendment if two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate agree to pass the bill. The additional expenditures must be for a limited time, and debts incurred from the expenditures must be paid as soon as practicable.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.