If enacted, this bill would initiate a significant constitutional process that could alter the fiscal management methods of the federal government. The proposed amendment would effectively enforce a balanced budget requirement, compelling the federal government to align its spending to its income. Proponents argue that this aligns federal fiscal policy more closely with that of states and helps secure economic opportunities for future generations by curbing deficit spending, which they assert leads to a decline in living standards and job losses.
Summary
Bill S0245, titled as the Federal Balanced Budget Amendment, seeks to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government. The bill is a response to concerns over the increasing federal public debt, which has surpassed thirty-one trillion dollars, and aims to address what its supporters describe as fiscal irresponsibility at the federal level. This concurrent resolution calls for a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to ensure that, in the absence of a national emergency, federal appropriations cannot exceed the total estimated federal revenues in any given fiscal year.
Contention
Despite its fiscal intent, the bill raises notable concerns among opponents who fear that a balanced budget amendment might limit the federal government's ability to respond effectively during economic crises, such as recessions or natural disasters. Critics argue that the rigidity of a balanced budget could hinder economic recovery efforts and reduce the government's capacity to invest strategically in the public good. There is also apprehension about how such an amendment would impact social programs and essential services heavily reliant on government funding, particularly in times of economic strain.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.
Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.
Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.
Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.