A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.
If ratified, SJR13 would significantly alter the way the federal budget is managed, likely leading to stricter limitations on federal spending and borrowing. The requirement for a supermajority to approve any increase in outlays or taxes would empower a minority in Congress to block budget increases, potentially leading to governmental gridlock during economic downturns. Advocates argue that it would promote economic stability and responsibility, while critics raise concerns about its potential to exacerbate economic crises.
SJR13 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at ensuring a balanced federal budget. The resolution stipulates that total outlays for any fiscal year should not exceed total receipts unless a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress approves an exception. Additionally, total outlays are also capped at 18% of the prior year's gross domestic product, with similar provisions for exceeding this limit requiring a supermajority vote. This proposal seeks to enforce fiscal discipline at the federal level and limit the growth of national debt.
Opponents of SJR13 argue that imposing rigid fiscal constraints could harm essential government services and hinder the ability to respond effectively during emergencies. The provision that prohibits court intervention in revenue increases is also a controversial point, as it limits judicial oversight over Congress’s financial decisions. This amendment's passage would also fundamentally reshape the relationship between federal and state fiscal policies, as states often rely on federal funds for various programs. The debate around this amendment reflects broader concerns regarding fiscal policy and the role of government in economic regulation.