US Federal Senate Bill SJR1

US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23

Caption

A joint resolution proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States relative to the line item veto, a limitation on the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve, and requiring a vote of two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of Congress on any legislation raising or imposing new taxes or fees.

Impact

The proposed amendments would allow the President to selectively disapprove appropriations in pending legislation, potentially increasing the executive's power in budgetary matters. Alongside this, limiting Representatives to six terms and Senators to two terms aims to curb career politicians, which proponents argue could lead to fresh perspectives and responsiveness to constituents. In addition, the requirement for a two-thirds majority vote within Congress to pass any legislation raising taxes or fees could fundamentally alter the dynamics of fiscal policymaking, making it more challenging to implement tax increases without broad bipartisan support.

Summary

SJR1 proposes significant amendments to the Constitution of the United States, focusing on three primary areas: the introduction of a line item veto for the President, the establishment of term limits for Congress members, and the imposition of stricter requirements for legislative approval of new taxes and fees. These changes represent a substantial shift in how fiscal policy and legislative governance could function at the federal level, aiming to enhance accountability and control by both the executive and legislative branches.

Contention

Debate surrounding SJR1 is likely to focus on the implications of increased presidential power and the practicality of term limits. Critics may argue that the line item veto could lead to politicization of the appropriations process, where the ability to selectively veto funding could be used for negotiating leverage rather than for sound fiscal policy. Conversely, supporters assert that such a mechanism increases accountability and prevents unnecessary spending. The term limits provision might face resistance from those who believe experience is invaluable in legislative roles, arguing that it might hinder the effectiveness of Congress by limiting seasoned lawmakers' ability to influence critical issues.