On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
This joint resolution proposes a Constitutional amendment requiring federal annual expenditures not to exceed the average annual receipts of the prior three years, adjusted for population and inflation.
Expenditures exclude debt payments and receipts exclude borrowing.
Overrides to exceed the limit require two-thirds roll call votes of each House for specific expenditures; a separate clause permits exceeding limits during years a declaration of war is in effect.
Historic difficulty of amendments plus contentious fiscal effects and ambiguity reduce knockout prospects.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this proposed constitutional amendment clearly establishes a concise substantive rule (a balanced‑budget requirement) and includes several concrete elements (calculation method, exclusions, override thresholds, effective date). However, it leaves many operational, definitional, enforcement, and integration details unspecified, delegating implementation to future congressional legislation.
Left emphasizes harm to safety net and countercyclical policy
Left emphasizes harm to safety net and countercyclical policy
Generally opposed.
Views the amendment as a rigid fiscal constraint that risks cutting social programs and hampering crisis responses.
Concerned the two-thirds tax rule blocks progressive revenue options needed for public investments.
Mixed.
Appreciates emphasis on fiscal responsibility but worries about legal rigidity and economic inflexibility.
Wants clearer emergency exceptions and implementation details before endorsing.
Generally supportive.
Sees the amendment as a structural fix to limit federal spending growth and protect taxpayers.
Values the two-thirds tax rule and high bar for spending overrides.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Historic difficulty of amendments plus contentious fiscal effects and ambiguity reduce knockout prospects.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Left emphasizes harm to safety net and countercyclical policy
Historic difficulty of amendments plus contentious fiscal effects and ambiguity reduce knockout prospects.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this proposed constitutional amendment clearly establishes a concise substantive rule (a balanced‑budget requirement) and includes several concrete elements (calculation method…
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