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Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Balanced Federal Budget and New Tax Rules

This proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution aims to require the federal government to spend no more than it collects and to limit spending to 18% of GDP. Citizens might experience more stable government finances, but also face a higher bar for new taxes or increases in public debt, which would require greater congressional support.
Key points
The federal government would be required to spend no more than it collects in a given year.
Federal outlays could not exceed 18% of the U.S. economy's value (GDP).
Introducing new taxes or raising rates would require a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
Increasing the public debt limit would also require a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
These rules could only be suspended in exceptional circumstances with a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
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Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HJRES_67
Sponsor: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Process start date: 2023-06-09
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the Federal budget be balanced.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HJRES_67.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-06-09.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The federal government would be required to spend no more than it collects in a given year.
  • Federal outlays could not exceed 18% of the U.S. economy's value (GDP).
  • Introducing new taxes or raising rates would require a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
  • Increasing the public debt limit would also require a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
  • These rules could only be suspended in exceptional circumstances with a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

CATEGORIES

Economy Taxes Courts and Law