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H.R.2685 / 112th Congress

Restoring America's Dignity Act of 2011

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 28, 2011

Restoring America's Dignity Act of 2011 - Increases the public debt limit by $750 billion, effective upon adoption by the Congress of a balanced budget constitutional amendment in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Increases the public debt limit by an additional $750 billion, effective upon ratification of such amendment.

Requires such a balanced budget amendment to provide, among other things, that: (1) total outlays of the United States (except those for repayment of debt principal) for any fiscal year shall not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year; (2) such limitations may be suspended by a majority of the membership of both houses of Congress in the event of a declared war, or by 3/4 of the membership of Congress for any other fiscal year; (3) any bill increasing net gross federal tax receipts by levying a new tax or revenue source, or increasing the rate of any existing tax or revenue source, or by amending the terms of one or more then-existing taxes or revenue sources, shall not become law unless approved by 3/5 of the membership of Congress; (4) the President, in specified circumstances, shall have discretion to take necessary steps to ensure total outlays for that fiscal year do not exceed total receipts; (5) any Member of Congress, state governor, or state attorney general shall have standing and a cause of action to seek judicial enforcement of the amendment; and (6) after ratification of the amendment its requirements shall be phased in over 5 years according to a specified schedule.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Brooks, Mo [R-AL-5] · R–AL

Committees

  • Ways and Means Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.2685 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.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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