Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
Sponsor: Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal receipts collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in the population of U.S. citizens and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing are excluded. Under the amendment, Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit with (1) a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber, or (2) a roll call vote for any year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
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 3.9% 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 | 207 | 46.9% |
| Yea | Lost | 211 | 49.1% |
| Not represented on this question | No position taken | 0 | 3.9% |