H.J.Res. 2 · 117th Congress · House

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.

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?
Vern Buchanan (Republican-FL-16).
›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 (Vern Buchanan) profile: https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B001260.

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 Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing.

The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States, unless two-thirds of each chamber of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount.

The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to impose a new tax, increase the statutory rate of any tax, or increase the aggregate amount of revenue. It requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber to increase the limit on the debt of the United States.

The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts and 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States.

The amendment prohibits a court from ordering a revenue increase to enforce the requirements.

Congress may waive specified requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.