Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HJR8

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that authorizes the President to use a line item veto to reduce an appropriation in a bill or joint resolution. Under the amendment, the President must notify Congress within 10 days of using this authority to reduce an appropriation. The House and Senate may then consider disapproval of the reduction. If at least two-thirds of each chamber of Congress votes to disapprove the reduction, the amount of the appropriation that is subject to the reduction must be returned to the amount that was originally presented to the President.

Impact

If enacted, HJR8 would significantly alter the legislative process related to appropriations by introducing a new layer of executive oversight over budgetary decisions. This change could streamline federal budget management by allowing the President to eliminate specific spending items without needing to veto the entire bill. Proponents argue that this power would lead to more responsible fiscal policy and reduce unnecessary government spending, ultimately enhancing efficiency in federal budgeting.

Summary

HJR8 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would grant the President the authority to exercise a line item veto on appropriations within approved bills or joint resolutions. Specifically, under the proposed amendment, the President could reduce an appropriation in such bills, allowing that modified amount to become law unless Congress votes to disapprove the reduction. This proposed method aims to provide the President with a mechanism to manage federal spending more effectively and curtail excessive or unwanted expenditures.

Contention

However, the proposal has raised concerns among some lawmakers and advocacy groups who view it as a potential overreach of presidential power. Critics argue that the line item veto could undermine congressional authority and disturb the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. By allowing the President to unilaterally alter appropriations, there is a fear that essential funding for programs backed by Congress could be jeopardized, leading to significant consequences for federal programs and initiatives.

Congress_id

119-HJRES-8

Policy_area

Economics and Public Finance

Notable_points

The amendment would require ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, indicating that any change in this direction would necessitate a broad consensus across various political landscapes. The ongoing debate surrounding HJR8 highlights the tension between executive authority and legislative oversight in the federal budget process, illustrating the complexities of reforming spending practices in the United States.

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB115

Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2023This bill allows Congress to disapprove multiple regulations under one joint resolution of disapproval if the regulations were submitted for review during a portion of the final year of a President's term.Under current law, the Congressional Review Act generally provides for a period of additional review during the succeeding Congress for regulations that were submitted during the last 60 legislative days of the prior Congress. However, each joint resolution may disapprove of only one regulation.

US SJR1

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.

US HB483

District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act This bill allows District of Columbia judicial nominees to be appointed after a 30-day congressional review period without the advice and consent of the Senate, unless a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted into law during that period.

US HB268

District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act This bill eliminates the authority of Congress to nullify recently enacted laws of the District of Columbia (DC). Current law generally permits Congress to review and disapprove, through a joint resolution, measures enacted by the DC Council. If the President signs the resolution, the measure may not go into effect. The bill eliminates that congressional review process.

US HB155

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.

US HB464

Separation of Powers Restoration Act This bill restricts the ability of the President to exercise certain powers, such as declaring a national emergency. Specifically, the bill terminates all powers and authorities possessed by the President, any executive agency, or any federal officer that derive from a declaration of national emergency. It eliminates any statutory grant of authority allowing the President or any other officer or employee of the executive branch to declare a national emergency, specifying that such power is vested solely in Congress. Furthermore, for each presidential order (i.e., executive order, presidential proclamation, presidential directive, or similar presidential or executive branch instructions), the President must include a statement specifying the statutory or constitutional provision that grants the President the authority to issue the order. It also limits the effect of a presidential order to the executive branch, with certain exceptions, such as if the order cites the specific congressional enactment from which it derives its authority. The bill provides standing to challenge the validity of presidential orders to (1) certain federal, state, and local officials; and (2) persons adversely affected by the order. This bill also repeals the War Powers Resolution, a joint resolution that outlines procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send Armed Forces into hostilities.

US SJR54

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.

US SJR55

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.

US SJR56

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sales to the Government of Egypt of certain defense articles and services.

US SJR2

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.