Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

For Further Action See H.J.Res.1.

Congressional Research Service

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 18, 1995

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays do not exceed total receipts, unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or when the United States by law is engaged in military conflict. Declares that total receipts do not include receipts (including attributable interest) of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, or any successor funds. Declares that total outlays do not include outlays for disbursements of such trust funds. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses becomes law. Requires roll call votes in the House and Senate under this amendment.

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People & committees

Who introduced it

Rep. Kleczka, Gerald D. [D-WI-4] · D–WI

Committees

Judiciary Committee

6 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Legislative record

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

Jan 24, 1995
For Further Action See H.J.Res.1.
Jan 18, 1995
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 18, 1995
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H300)
Jan 18, 1995
Introduced in House
Jan 18, 1995
Introduced in House

Primary sources

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Introduced in House · Jan 18, 1995 Formatted Text PDF

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

HJRES 1 · Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Source last updated: Nov 21, 2018. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.J.Res.55 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.J.Res.55, 104th Congress: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-joint-resolution/55

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1995-01-18.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hjres55/BILLS-104hjres55ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2018-11-21T20:29:39Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Analyze H.J.Res.55 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.

Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.J.Res.55 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.J.Res.55, 104th Congress: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-joint-resolution/55

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1995-01-18.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hjres55/BILLS-104hjres55ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2018-11-21T20:29:39Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.J.Res.55 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.

Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.J.Res.55 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.J.Res.55, 104th Congress: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-joint-resolution/55

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1995-01-18.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hjres55/BILLS-104hjres55ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2018-11-21T20:29:39Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.J.Res.55 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.

Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.J.Res.55 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.J.Res.55, 104th Congress: Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-joint-resolution/55

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1995-01-18.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hjres55/BILLS-104hjres55ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2018-11-21T20:29:39Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.J.Res.55 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.