# Plain Language Summary: Balanced Budget Amendment

This proposal would change the U.S. Constitution to require the federal government to balance its budget every year, meaning it can't spend more money than it takes in through taxes and other revenue. Right now, there's nothing in the Constitution stopping Congress from spending more than the government earns, which is why the U.S. has accumulated trillions of dollars in debt. This amendment would make that illegal—the government would have to spend only what it collects, just like most families and businesses have to do.

The amendment does allow some flexibility. Congress could still spend more than it takes in if two-thirds of both the House and Senate vote to approve it, which is a very high bar. There are also three emergency exceptions where the balanced budget requirement could be waived: during a declared war, during a national emergency declared by Congress, or during a natural disaster declared by Congress. In these situations, only a simple majority vote would be needed to allow deficit spending. The President would also be required to submit a balanced budget proposal to Congress each year, though Congress could still choose to reject it.

Before this amendment could actually become law, it would need to pass both the House and Senate with two-thirds support in each chamber, and then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures. Even if all those steps happened, the amendment wouldn't take effect for five years, giving the government time to adjust. Supporters argue this would force fiscal responsibility and prevent endless debt accumulation. Critics worry it could force severe cuts to popular programs like Social Security and Medicare during economic downturns, or limit the government's ability to respond to crises, since emergency spending would still require congressional approval.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

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 two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays for the fiscal year do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive the requirements for any fiscal year in which (1) a declaration of war is in effect by a roll call vote, or (2) a declaration of a natural disaster or a national emergency is in effect that was declared by a joint resolution that became law after being adopted by a majority of each chamber of Congress.