H.J.Res. 13 · 117th Congress · House

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution requiring that each agency and department's funding is justified.

Active· Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Introduced
Jan 4, 21
Passed House
Pending
Passed Senate
Pending
Sent to President
Pending
Signed into Law
Pending

Frequently Asked

The basics

›Who introduced it, and what's their district or state?
Scott Perry (Republican-PA-10).
›Is this a Republican bill, a Democratic bill, or bipartisan?
Single-party (Republican).
›When was it introduced?
Introduced on January 4, 2021.

Political context

›Is there a companion bill in the other chamber?
No companion bill recorded.

Legislative process

›What committee(s) have jurisdiction?
Referred to: Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee.
›Where is it in the legislative process right now?
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
›Has it been marked up, reported, or scheduled for a floor vote?
No committee markup recorded yet.

Practical actions

›How did my representative vote (if there's been a vote)?
See the Votes tab for individual member positions when a roll-call vote is recorded.
›How can I contact my member of Congress about it?
Use the U.S. Senate or House contact directory to reach your representative. Sponsor (Scott Perry) profile: https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/P000605.

Executive Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless (1) Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths vote of each chamber, and (2) total outlays do not exceed a specified percentage of the estimated gross domestic product of the United States. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing.

The amendment requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber of Congress to increase revenue or increase the limit on the debt of the United States.

The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. The President's budget must also include justifications and specified details regarding funding proposed for departments and agencies.

Congress may waive the requirements due to a declaration of war, a military conflict, an event that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security, or a natural disaster.