Proposed amendment would force federal budget to balance over time
In committeeH.J.Res. 110Latest action
Sponsor: Nathaniel Moran · Representative · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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A proposed constitutional amendment would require federal spending to balance with income within ten years of ratification.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government's spending to match its income over time, not necessarily every year. Debt payments would not count as spending, and borrowed money would not count as income, and Congress would have ten years after ratification to reach balance. A of both chambers could allow temporary emergency overspending, but any resulting debt would need to be repaid as soon as reasonably possible.
Who does it affect?
This affects all Americans who rely on federal programs such as Social Security, Medicare, defense, or education, as well as anyone affected by federal tax or economic policy. It also requires action from Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures to become law.
Why does it matter?
If ratified, the amendment would permanently limit federal spending and borrowing, potentially requiring cuts to programs, tax increases, or both. It faces a very high approval bar: two-thirds of both the House and Senate, then ratification by 38 of 50 states within seven years.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 23, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 23, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- Sent to the states
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House. Both chambers have to pass the same text, each by two thirds. A proposed constitutional amendment never goes to the president: it goes to the states, and three quarters of them have to ratify it before it takes effect.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.