PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Congressional Research Service
Version 38 · Failed of passage in House · Mar 17, 1994
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Waives these provisions when the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this amendment effective beginning with FY 2001 or the second fiscal year after its ratification, whichever is later.
People & committees
Rep. Stenholm, Charles W. [D-TX-17] · D–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 271 - 153 (Roll No. 65).
House roll call 65 · Individual votesFailed of passage/not agreed to in House: On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 271 - 153 (Roll No. 65).
House roll call 65 · Individual votesThe House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
The previous question was ordered without objection.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.J. Res. 103.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 331, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of debate on the Stenholm amendment.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 331, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of debate on the Wise amendment.
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.J. Res. 103 as unfinished business.
The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Barton amendment.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 331, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of debate on the Barton amendment.
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1452-1497)
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.J. Res. 103 as unfinished business.
GENERAL DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 331, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with six hours of general debate on the joint resolution.
The Speaker designated the Honorable David E. Skaggs to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 331 and Rule XXIII.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 331. (consideration: CR H1358-1414)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E17)
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.J.Res.103 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.103 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.103 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.103 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.