Us Congress House Bill HJR99

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25

Caption

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that new States may be admitted to the United States upon a concurrence of two thirds of each house of Congress.

Impact

The implications of HJR99 on state laws and governance are significant. By requiring a two-thirds majority for state admissions, the resolution could potentially limit the number of new states that are able to join the Union. This change could result in a lengthy and more complex admission process, affecting territories that seek statehood and influencing their representation and rights within the federal system. Additionally, this amendment could affect the balance of power in Congress, particularly concerning the representation of smaller or newly formed states.

Summary

HJR99 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that alters the process for admitting new states into the Union. Specifically, the resolution requires that the admission of new states must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This change aims to implement a more stringent guideline for the admission process, reflecting a desire for greater consensus among federal lawmakers regarding statehood decisions.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJR99 revolves around the centralization of power and the potential implications for democracy and representation. Critics argue that imposing a two-thirds requirement could serve as a barrier to those regions aspiring for statehood, especially smaller territories without the political clout to mobilize such a majority. Proponents of the amendment, on the other hand, contend that it encourages a more thorough evaluation of statehood applications, ensuring that only those that are broadly recognized and supported enter the Union.