Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

# Summary of HJRES 10: Balanced Budget Amendment **What the bill would do:** This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget each year, meaning total spending cannot exceed total revenue unless Congress approves the overspending with a three-fifths supermajority vote in both chambers. The amendment would also require a three-fifths supermajority to raise the debt limit and a simple majority to increase taxes. The only exceptions would be during declared wars or military emergencies that pose serious national security threats. If passed by Congress and ratified by the states, it would fundamentally change how the federal government manages its finances. **Who it affects:** This would impact all Americans, as it could significantly limit federal spending on programs like Social Security, Medicare, defense, and infrastructure.

It would also constrain Congress's ability to respond to economic crises or emergencies without extraordinary voting thresholds. Future presidents and Congress members would be bound by these requirements. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. Balanced budget amendments have been proposed many times in Congress but have never achieved the two-thirds majority vote needed in both chambers to send a constitutional amendment to the states for ratification.