Texas House Bill HCR13

Texas 2021 - 87th 3rd C.S.

Caption

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Impact

The passage of HCR13 would primarily serve as a formal request from the Texas Legislature to Congress, reinforcing the state's stance on the importance of fiscal responsibility at the federal level. By calling for a balanced budget amendment, lawmakers hope to influence national fiscal policy in a way that ensures taxpayer dollars are utilized more responsibly and to avert the risk of future deficits. Should such an amendment gain traction, it would fundamentally alter how federal budgets are constructed and enforced, compelling Congress to adopt stricter spending limits.

Summary

HCR13 is a concurrent resolution urging the United States Congress to propose a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The bill highlights the ongoing fiscal irresponsibility of the federal government, which has repeatedly spent beyond its means, leading to an unsustainable national deficit. It argues that current attempts at budgetary control, such as the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings legislation and PAYGO rules, have failed due to their lack of permanence and enforceability. By advocating for a constitutional amendment, the resolution seeks to establish more robust and enduring fiscal restraints on congressional spending power.

Contention

While HCR13 aligns with concerns over national debt and deficit spending, it also raises questions about the implications of a balanced budget amendment. Critics may argue that enforcing such a requirement could limit Congress's ability to respond to economic crises or to make necessary investments in public services and infrastructure. There may be debates surrounding the feasibility and implications of amending the Constitution to impose spending limits, as it could constrain fiscal flexibility in times of economic need. Thus, while the resolution indicates a clear leaning towards fiscal conservatism, it invites critical examination of its wider ramifications.