.Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution requiring that each agency and department's funding is justified.
Sponsored By: Representative Perry
Introduced
Summary
Balanced federal budget cap would require federal outlays to not exceed receipts and would set a falling cap on total spending measured as a share of GDP. It would also impose supermajority rules for revenue increases and for raising the debt limit.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
When these budget rules start
The amendment would start on the earlier of two dates. It would begin in the tenth fiscal year after ratification, or in the first fiscal year after any year when the federal budget is not in deficit. This would delay when the new limits apply.
Balanced President’s budget and agency justifications
Each year, the President would have to send Congress a budget where spending does not exceed receipts. Every agency would need to justify each funding request. The justification must explain how it supports the mission and affects GDP, and show a lower funding level that still covers critical functions.
Caps on federal spending and deficits
This would limit yearly federal spending. Spending could not exceed receipts unless three-fifths of each House votes to allow a specific excess by rollcall. It would also cap total outlays to a share of GDP: 20% in the first year, then dropping by 0.1 percentage point each year, but never below 16%. Receipts would exclude borrowing, and outlays would exclude debt principal repayment. Congress would set enforcement rules and could use budget estimates. In a declared war, Congress could waive the limits for that year. For military conflicts, imminent military threats, or natural disasters, a two‑thirds joint resolution that becomes law would be needed to waive them.
Harder to raise taxes or debt
Any bill to increase federal revenue would need approval by three‑fifths of each House in a rollcall vote. The public debt limit could not be raised unless three‑fifths of each House approves it by rollcall vote. If enacted, this could make tax increases less likely but also make new borrowing harder.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Perry
PA • R
Cosponsors
Cloud
TX • R
Sponsored 1/3/2025
Ogles
TN • R
Sponsored 1/3/2025
Zinke
MT • R
Sponsored 1/3/2025
Clyde
GA • R
Sponsored 3/26/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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