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H.R.371 / 113th Congress

Protecting America's Solvency Act of 2013

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 23, 2013

Protecting America's Solvency Act of 2013 - Increases the public debt limit by $1 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 $1 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) this fiscal year deficit prohibition may be suspended by a majority of the membership of both houses of Congress in the event of a congressionally declared war, or by 4/5 of the membership of Congress for any other fiscal year; (3) 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; (4) 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 (5) after ratification of the amendment its requirements shall be phased in 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
6 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

Source last updated: Dec 8, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.371 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

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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