PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 49.
Congressional Research Service
Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · Jun 23, 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts.
Limits total outlays for any fiscal year to 18% of the U.S. economic output, unless two-thirds of each House of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount.
Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by two-thirds of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
People & committees
Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] · R–VA
Legislative record
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Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 49.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 112-117.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 112-117.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 12.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on the Constitution Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E12)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.J.Res.1 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.J.Res.1 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.J.Res.1 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.J.Res.1 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.