Overview
- The measure failed 211-207, below the two-thirds required for constitutional amendments, so it does not advance to the Senate.
- Sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, the proposal would cap annual spending at the inflation- and population-adjusted average of the prior three years’ revenue, with debt service excluded.
- Deficits could be authorized by a two-thirds vote of Congress, or by a simple majority during a declared war, and new tax increases would require two-thirds support.
- Only one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, voted in favor; eight Republicans and six Democrats did not vote, according to The Center Square.
- Supporters, including House Freedom Caucus members and Budget Chair Jodey Arrington, cast the plan as a needed forcing mechanism given debt above $39 trillion and interest costs topping $1 trillion in 2025, while critics warned the rule could trigger harmful cuts in downturns and constrain revenue options; some backers urged pursuing a states-led convention.