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Proposed amendment would require federal government to balance its budget

In committeeH.J.Res. 6Latest action

Sponsor: Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Representative · PA

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Official title: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.

119th Congress

Topics: Jobs & the economy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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A proposed constitutional amendment would require a balanced federal budget unless two-thirds of Congress votes otherwise.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget yearly, generally barring spending beyond revenue. would need a two-thirds in both chambers, except during a declared war, national emergency, or natural disaster approved by a . The president would submit a balanced budget proposal annually, and Congress could pass enforcement laws.

Who does it affect?

All Americans would be affected indirectly, since the requirement could change how federal spending on programs like Social Security, Medicare, and defense is decided. Congress and the president would carry out the new budget procedures.

Why does it matter?

The requirement would not take effect immediately, needing approval by two-thirds of Congress, ratification by 38 states, and would start in the fifth after ratification. It could significantly limit , particularly during economic downturns when governments typically spend more than they collect.

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Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedJan 3, 2025
  2. House committeeYou are here · Jan 3, 2025
  3. House vote
  4. Senate
  5. 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.

Data as of October 9, 2026
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