Docket HopperPart I · Bills · 119th H.J.RES. 3
H.J.Res. 3 · 119th CongressEconomics and Public Finance

H.J.Res. 3 has not moved since its introduction on Jan 3, 2025, with one cosponsor, a Republican

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

Sponsored by Buchanan, Vern R-FL · 1 cosponsor: 0 Democrats, 1 Republican
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Reported—
Passed one chamber—
Passed both—
Law—
What it changes · CRS summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service [2]. 208 words.

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 or 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.

Context
Committees
House Judiciary Committee
Policy area
Economics and Public Finance: 71 of 1,188 bills became law, 113th–118th (6%)
Sponsor
2 of 171 bills enacted since 2013
Text versions
1: introduced in house · 579 words
Subjects
Budget deficits and national debtBudget processConstitution and constitutional amendmentsIncome tax ratesLegislative rules and procedure
Latest action
Jan 3, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Records
Congress.gov · Bill text
Exhibit 1Passage odds band at each stage, rated when the bill reached it [4]
Related bills · 0

The bill status record lists no related bills.

Exhibit 2Articles naming the bill per day, last 90 days, US sources [3]