Key Votes

S J Res 10 - Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Hatch Bill) - Key Vote

National Key Votes

John Kerry voted Nay (Passage) on this legislation.

Read recent statements John Kerry made in this general time period.

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Note

NOTE: AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES TWO-THIRDS APPROVAL IN EACH CHAMBER OF CONGRESS, AND RATIFICATION BY THREE-FOURTHS OF THE STATES.

Stage Details

Constitutional Amendment - Amendment Rejected (Senate) (47-53) - (Key vote)

Title: Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Hatch Bill)

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a joint resolution that submits a constitutional amendment to the state legislatures that prohibits the federal government from spending money in excess of its revenue, beginning 5 fiscal years after the amendment is ratified.

Highlights:
  • Prohibits the federal government from spending more money than it receives for any fiscal year, unless authorized to do so for a specific expenditure by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress.
  • Prohibits federal spending from exceeding 18 percent of the gross domestic product of the United States, unless authorized to do so for a specific expenditure by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress.
  • Defines "federal revenue" as excluding funds derived from borrowing.
  • Defines "federal spending" as excluding debt payments.
  • Requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress for any bill that imposes a new tax, increases the rate of any existing tax, or increases the aggregate amount of revenue collected by the federal government, unless the revenue increase is the result of a tax cut.
  • Requires a three-fifths majority vote in both houses of Congress for any increase in the federal debt limit.
  • Exempts the federal government from the provisions of this act during any fiscal year in which 1 of the following criteria are met:
    • A declaration of war against a nation;
    • State is in effect, and a majority of both houses of Congress vote to waive the provisions; or
    • The United States is engaged in a military conflict that causes an "imminent and serious" military threat to national security, as declared by a three-fifths majority vote of both houses of Congress.
See The Voting Record

Constitutional Amendment - Introduced (Senate) -

Title: Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Hatch Bill)


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