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H.J.Res. 85

Joint ResolutionFederalHouseIn Committee
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the Federal budget be balanced.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 3, 2016
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Congress
114th (2015–2017)
Introduced
March 3, 2016
Cosponsors (20)
0D 20R
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Summary

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Constitutional Amendment This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year or 18% of the U.S. gross domestic product unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to levy a new tax, increase the rate of any tax, or increase the debt limit. The amendment provides any Member of Congress with standing and a cause of action to seek judicial enforcement of this amendment if authorized by a petition signed by one-third of the Members of either house of Congress. Courts are prohibited from ordering any increase in revenue to enforce this amendment.

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