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119-hjres-112119th CongressWALLET

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States related to the public debt.

Sponsored By: Representative Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]

Introduced

Summary

Hard cap on federal spending and a strict national debt ceiling. This constitutional amendment ties total federal outlays to total receipts, sharply limits new federal borrowing, and makes states a gatekeeper for any debt increase.

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  • Congress and tax policy: New or increased "general revenue" taxes require a two-thirds roll-call vote in both Houses, with narrow carve-outs for a full replacement end-user sales tax and for shrinking existing exemptions, deductions, or credits.
  • States and borrowing: Initial authorized debt is fixed at 105 percent of the outstanding debt on the amendment's effective date. Any increase must be referred by Congress to state legislatures, approved by a simple majority of legislatures within 60 days, and may not be induced by quid pro quo.
  • Executive enforcement and limits: If outstanding debt reaches 98 percent of the authorized limit the President must designate impoundments, which take effect after 30 days unless Congress names an alternative. Failure to follow this duty is an impeachable misdemeanor and any debt issued above the limit is void.

*Would cap federal outlays to total receipts and tightly restrict new borrowing, reducing the federal government's ability to finance deficits.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Hard debt limit needs state approval

If ratified, the amendment would set the initial debt limit at 105% of the outstanding debt on the effective date. Congress could raise the limit only by sending a single‑subject, unconditional measure to state legislatures. A simple majority of state legislatures would need to approve it within 60 days. No spending or tax promises could be used as a quid pro quo. If states do not approve in 60 days, the debt limit would not change.

Immediate effect and budget definitions

If ratified, the amendment would take effect right away and be self‑enforcing. Congress could pass laws to help enforce it. It would define what counts as debt, outstanding debt, authorized debt, total receipts, total outlays, impoundment, and general revenue tax.

Spending capped to receipts, automatic holdbacks

If ratified, federal outlays could not exceed total receipts, unless borrowing follows the amendment’s rules. When debt reaches 98% of the limit, the President would have to name spending to hold back. That holdback would start after 30 days unless Congress adopts an equal or larger alternative by concurrent resolution, which would start right away. Failing to name or enforce the holdback could be an impeachable misdemeanor. Any debt issued above the limit would be void.

Two-thirds vote to raise taxes

If ratified, any bill that creates or increases a general revenue tax would need a two‑thirds roll‑call vote in both Houses. General revenue taxes include income, sales, and value‑added taxes. Two carve‑outs apply: a new end‑user sales tax that fully replaces all federal income taxes, and measures that reduce or remove a deduction, credit, or exemption.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]

MO • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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