TX
Texas House Bill HJR100

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HJR100

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced federal budget.

Impact

If enacted, HJR100 could lead to significant changes in how federal budgetary policies are governed. The proposed balanced budget amendment would restrict federal appropriations to not exceed estimated revenues, with exemptions only during times of war or national emergencies. This change is intended to promote greater fiscal discipline within the federal government, potentially influencing a range of policies related to spending and taxation at both federal and state levels. Supporters believe it will ultimately lead to improved economic stability and prosperity for future generations.

Summary

HJR100 is a joint resolution from the Texas legislature that seeks to apply to the United States Congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require a balanced federal budget. The resolution underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and highlights the growing federal debt, which has burgeoned significantly over the past decades. It emphasizes the absence of constitutional restrictions on federal deficit spending and suggests that such an amendment would compel lawmakers to consider their spending and taxation choices more carefully.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR100 appears to be largely supportive among its sponsors and those advocating for fiscal conservatism. Proponents argue that the resolution is necessary to curb irresponsible government spending and prevent the spiraling national debt from harming future generations. However, there is likely to be opposition from those who might view such restrictions as punitive or overly rigid, potentially undermining the government's ability to respond effectively during economic downturns or emergencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HJR100 include the debated effectiveness of a balanced budget amendment in practice and concerns about its implications for federal responsiveness to emergencies. Critics argue that during times of economic crises, a strict balanced budget requirement could hinder essential government spending, thereby exacerbating financial instability. Additionally, the resolution raises questions about the scope and authority of a convention called for this purpose, including fears of unintended outcomes if such a convention were to tackle broader issues beyond just a balanced budget amendment.

Latest HJR100 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SJR1

Similar 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.

Similar Bills

CA AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

TX SJR1

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.

AL HJR104

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

AL SJR57

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

NJ AJR97

Urges U.S. Congress to pass Equal Rights Amendment.

HI HR15

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.

HI HCR15

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.

HI HR97

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.