House vote: H.J.Res. 2 // November 18, 2011Needed two-thirds to pass
Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
Sponsor: ROBERT GOODLATTE (R-VA)
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually.
Economics and Public Finance Topic assigned by the Congressional Research Service.
Who won, and how much of the country was behind them
The dotted gap is 2.1% of U.S. adults whose member did not vote, voted “present,” or whose seat was vacant.
| Side | Outcome | Votes | Share of U.S. adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nay | Won | 165 | 36.2% |
| Yea | Lost | 261 | 61.6% |
| Not represented on this question | No position taken | 0 | 2.1% |