# Plain Language Summary: Balanced Budget Amendment

This bill proposes adding a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require the federal government to balance its budget every year. In simple terms, it would make it illegal for the government to spend more money than it takes in through taxes and other revenue—just like most families and businesses have to do.

Right now, the federal government regularly runs deficits, meaning it spends billions more than it collects in revenue each year. The government covers this gap by borrowing money, which adds to the national debt. This amendment would change that by forcing Congress to pass budgets where spending equals income. There would be exceptions for times of war or national emergency, and the rule could be waived if both the House and Senate vote by a supermajority (a larger-than-normal majority) to allow it.

If this amendment became law, it would fundamentally reshape how the government operates. Congress would face much harder choices about which programs to fund, since they couldn't simply borrow to cover shortfalls. This could mean cuts to Social Security, Medicare, defense spending, education, or other programs—or it could mean raising taxes. The amendment would also limit the government's ability to respond quickly to economic crises or unexpected emergencies by spending money to help people or stimulate the economy. Supporters argue this would force fiscal responsibility and prevent the debt from growing indefinitely, while critics worry it would handcuff the government during recessions or emergencies when spending is most needed.

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

Nunn, Zachary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. It prohibits a bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless it has been approved by a majority roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive these requirements due to a declaration of war or a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.