H.J.Res. 26 · 117th Congress · House

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the Federal budget be balanced.

Active· Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Introduced
Feb 18, 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?
Barry Loudermilk (Republican-GA-11).
›Is this a Republican bill, a Democratic bill, or bipartisan?
Single-party (Republican).
›When was it introduced?
Introduced on February 18, 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 (Barry Loudermilk) profile: https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/L000583.

Executive Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year or 18% of the U.S. gross domestic product 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 requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to levy a new tax, increase the rate of any tax, or increase the debt limit.

The amendment provides any Member of Congress with standing and a cause of action to seek judicial enforcement of this amendment if authorized by a petition signed by one-third of the Members of either chamber of Congress. Courts are prohibited from ordering any increase in revenue to enforce this amendment.