Rule of law

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution establishing term limits for individuals serving in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The proposed amendment makes an individual who has served two terms in the Senate ineligible for appointment or election to the Senate and an individual who has served three terms as a Member of the House of Representatives ineligible for election to the House of Representatives. The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification. Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.

Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act This bill establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate the carry or possession of concealed firearms across state lines. Specifically, an individual who is eligible to carry a concealed firearm in one state may carry or possess a concealed handgun (other than a machine gun or destructive device) in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. It sets forth requirements for lawful concealed carry across state lines. The bill preempts most state and local laws related to concealed carry and establishes a private right of action for a person adversely affected by interference with a concealed-carry right established by this bill.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide certain line item veto authority to the President.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

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.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that debate upon legislation pending before the Senate may not be brought to a close without the concurrence of a minimum of three-fifths of the Senators.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes amending the Constitution to limit how the Senate may end debate on a measure or motion. Specifically, the proposed amendment provides that debate may only be brought to a close as provided under laws as in effect on January 3, 2025; by unanimous consent; or with the concurrence of at least three-fifths of all Senators. The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states. Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms an individual may serve as a Member of Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to limit terms in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Specifically, the amendment limits an individual serving as a Member of the House of Representatives to six two-year terms and an individual serving as a Senator to two six-year terms. The amendment specifies that the term limits do not apply to an individual who served in either chamber of Congress before the 118th Congress.  The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification.  Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.

.Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution requiring that each agency and department's funding is justified.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless (1) Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths vote of each chamber, and (2) total outlays do not exceed a specified percentage of the estimated gross domestic product of the United States. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber of Congress to increase revenue or increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. The President's budget must also include justifications and specified details regarding funding proposed for departments and agencies. Congress may waive the requirements due to a declaration of war, a military conflict, an event that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security, or a natural disaster.

Washington, D.C. Admission Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States. The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits. The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives. The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services.  The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution This concurrent resolution establishes a process for transferring the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities and the Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities to plan for and implement the transfer. The Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities shall consist of 14 members of Congress appointed by majority and minority party leaders of the two chambers of Congress and meeting qualifications specified in the bill. The committee shall develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the USTR shall be moved and provide its plan in a report to Congress within 16 months after the committee is appointed.  The bill also establishes a 21-member Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities responsible for advising the committee in its development of the plan. Individuals meeting qualifications specified in the bill shall be appointed by the Trade Representative and majority and minority party leaders. The concurrent resolution also provides that the USTR shall provide such information and assistance the committee and the advisory board may reasonably require to carry out their activities. The transition of the USTR to the legislative branch occurs four years after the committee submits its report.

FairTax Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

FairTax Act of 2025 This bill replaces federal income, payroll, estate, and gift taxes with a federal sales tax beginning in 2027 and eliminates the Internal Revenue Service. The bill establishes a 23% tax-inclusive (30% tax-exclusive) federal sales tax rate on taxable property and services to be administered primarily by each state. The federal sales tax rate is adjusted annually beginning in 2028 so that it is the sum of the  general revenue rate (14.91%); old-age, survivors and disability insurance rate; and hospital insurance rate.  The bill includes exemptions for property or services purchased for business, investment, and certain state government functions. Registered, qualified families may receive a monthly sales tax rebate in the amount of the monthly federal poverty level (or twice such amount for married individuals) multiplied by the federal sales tax rate. Each family member must have a Social Security number and be a lawful resident of the United States.  Federal sales tax revenues are allocated to general revenue, the Social Security trust funds, and the Medicare trust funds. (Special allocation rules apply for 2027.) The bill eliminates appropriations for the Internal Revenue Service after FY2029 and establishes an Excise Tax Bureau and a Sales Tax Bureau within the Department of the Treasury.  Finally, the bill terminates the federal sales tax if the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution (authorizing a federal income tax) is not repealed within seven years from the date the bill is enacted.

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year. The amendment also prohibits (1) increases to the federal debt limit, and (2) a bill that increases revenue from becoming law unless the bill has been approved by two-thirds of each chamber of Congress with a roll call vote.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits the U.S. government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by a law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each chamber of Congress.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays for the fiscal year do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive the requirements for any fiscal year in which (1) a declaration of war is in effect by a roll call vote, or (2) a declaration of a natural disaster or a national emergency is in effect that was declared by a joint resolution that became law after being adopted by a majority of each chamber of Congress.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a fiscal year unless both Houses of Congress have agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes amending the Constitution to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation unless both chambers have agreed to a fiscal year budget prior to the start of the fiscal year. The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification. The amendment applies beginning in the fiscal year after the amendment is ratified and becomes a valid part of the Constitution. Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Supreme Court to be composed of nine Justices—one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. It prohibits a bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless it has been approved by a majority roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive these requirements due to a declaration of war or a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States unless two-thirds of each chamber of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress to impose a new tax, increase the statutory rate of any tax, or increase the aggregate amount of revenue. It requires a three-fifths vote of each chamber to increase the limit on the debt of the United States. The President must submit an annual budget in which total outlays do not exceed total receipts or 18% of the gross domestic product of the United States. The amendment prohibits a court from ordering a revenue increase to enforce the requirements. Congress may waive specified requirements when a declaration of war is in effect or the United States is engaged in a military conflict that causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security.

Proposing a Federal debt limit amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025