# Plain Language Summary: Constitutional Amendment on Federal Debt

This proposed amendment would fundamentally change how the federal government can borrow money. Right now, Congress can increase the national debt whenever it votes to do so—it's a routine part of how government operates. This amendment would make that much harder by requiring a supermajority vote: three-fourths of both the House and Senate would need to agree before the government could borrow any additional money, except in very specific circumstances approved by law.

Think of it like changing the rules for a family's credit card. Currently, one person can decide to increase the credit limit. Under this amendment, you'd need three-fourths of family members to agree before borrowing more money. The only exception would be if the family had previously passed a law saying it was okay to borrow for a particular purpose—like a home repair or emergency.

The practical impact would be significant. Since the government regularly borrows money to cover the gap between what it spends and what it collects in taxes, this change would make it much harder to do that without overwhelming agreement in Congress. This could affect everything from paying government employees and military personnel to funding Social Security and Medicare. In emergencies or during economic downturns when the government typically borrows more, getting three-fourths agreement would be extremely difficult. Supporters argue this would force fiscal responsibility; critics worry it could prevent the government from responding effectively to crises or recessions, since you'd need such broad agreement just to borrow money when the economy is struggling.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]

 <p>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits the U.S. government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by a law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each chamber of Congress. </p>