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HJRES 17 114th Congress House

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.

Introduced: January 12, 2015 Introduced by: Buchanan, Vern Republican · Florida See on congress.gov
Economics and Public Finance Budget deficits and national debtBudget processConstitution and constitutional amendmentsIncome tax ratesLegislative rules and procedure
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This bill died when the 114th Congress ended
It never became law before the 114th Congress (2015–2016) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 22, 2015
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
Jan 12, 2015
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 12, 2015
Introduced in House
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 Latest action January 22, 2015

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Constitutional Amendment

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 vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing.

The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States, unless two-thirds of each house of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount.

The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to impose a new tax, increase the statutory rate of any tax, or increase the aggregate amount of revenue. It requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber to increase the limit on the debt of the United States.

The President is required to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts and 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States.

The amendment prohibits a court from ordering a revenue increase to enforce the requirements.

Congress is authorized to waive specified requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

 Related & companion bills 3
  • HJRES 12 Related bill Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
  • HJRES 4 Related bill Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.
  • SJRES 6 Identical bill A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.J. Res. 17: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.. 114th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HJRES-17/
MLA
"H.J. Res. 17: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.." 114th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HJRES-17/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.J. Res. 17, 114th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HJRES-17/.
Markdown link
[H.J. Res. 17: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.](https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HJRES-17/)
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