House Judiciary Committee Approves Balanced Budget Amendment

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee approved a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution to restore fiscal responsibility to federal government spending.

The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved a balanced budget amendment (H.J. Res. 1) to the Constitution to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to federal government spending. The proposal for a balanced budget amendment passed the Committee by a vote of 20-12.

The amendment:

  • Requires Congress never to spend more than it takes in
  • Requires a 3/5 majority vote to raise the debt ceiling, with an exception in times of national emergency
  • Requires a supermajority to raise taxes
  • Requires Spending as a Percentage of GDP to not Exceed 18% – Preventing Tax Increases to Balance the Budget

Speaking about passage of H.J. Res 1, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) said, “Polls show that 95% of Americans believe the deficit is a problem and that 65% of Americans are in favor of a balanced budget amendment.  If we want to make permanent cuts to federal spending – cuts that cannot be undone by future Congresses – a constitutional amendment is the only answer.  It is our last line of defense against Congress’ constant desire to overspend and overtax.”

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.