HR 252, the Inflation Prevention Act of 2023, would require Congress to block any new spending bill or amendment that could increase inflation above 4.5%, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If current inflation exceeds 4.5%, the bill would prevent consideration of new spending measures unless a three-fifths Senate supermajority votes to override the rule. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) would estimate the inflation impact of proposed spending and notify Congress if inflation rises above 4.5%. This rule applies to all spending bills, amendments, and conference reports in both the House and Senate, directly affecting how Congress processes budget-related legislation. The bill focuses on procedural rules for spending decisions, not on specific policies or affected groups.
H.J.Res. 12 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget annually, meaning spending cannot exceed revenue except under specific circumstances. It would directly affect Congress and the President by mandating that annual budgets must not exceed revenue, with exceptions requiring a 3/5 vote in both chambers of Congress or a military conflict waiver approved by a joint resolution. Key provisions include prohibiting increases to the national debt without a 3/5 congressional vote, requiring the President to submit a balanced budget proposal each year, and defining "receipts" to exclude borrowing. The amendment would take effect five years after ratification by 38 states (three-fourths of states) and includes limited waivers for declared wars or imminent national security threats. This is a procedural constitutional change, not a spending bill, and would fundamentally alter federal budgeting processes.
H.J. Res. 9 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to pass a law with a three-fourths majority in both the House and Senate to authorize any new federal debt, except for a specific purpose defined in that law. This would significantly raise the threshold for increasing the national debt, changing the current process that typically allows debt limits to be raised with a simple majority. The amendment would take effect ten years after ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures. It directly affects Congress, as it would require supermajority votes to approve new borrowing for any purpose.
HJRES 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently set the Supreme Court's size at nine justices. The bill would require any future changes to the Court's composition to follow this specific number, locking in the current structure. It does not alter the existing Court size (which has been nine since 1869) but aims to prevent future adjustments through legislative action. The amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years to take effect. This is a procedural proposal focused on constitutional structure, not a direct policy affecting citizens or programs.
HRES 8 is a formal resolution introduced by the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2023 to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The resolution alleges three specific violations: (1) failing to maintain border security, citing record migrant encounters and fentanyl seizures under his leadership; (2) providing false testimony to Congress about border security; and (3) spreading false claims about Border Patrol agents whipping migrants during a 2021 incident. It claims these actions violated his constitutional duties and federal law. As an impeachment resolution, it does not enact policy but seeks to refer the case to the Senate for trial.
This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to the natural resources of the United States and the environment.
This bill requires the President to provide Congress with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to immigration policy. Before issuing an immigration-related executive order, the President shall provide Congress with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.
This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to the constitutional right of law-abiding individuals in the United States to own, carry, and use firearms.
This bill requires the President to provide Congress with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to abortion. Before issuing an abortion-related executive order, the President shall provide Congress with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.
This bill requires the President to provide Congress and the public with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to agriculture, food, and the livelihood of farmers, ranchers, and producers in the United States. Before issuing such an order, the President shall provide Congress and the public with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.
HR 24, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2023, requires a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve System's Board of Governors and Federal Reserve banks within 12 months of the bill's enactment. The Congressional auditor (Comptroller General) must then submit a detailed report to Congress within 90 days, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations for improving transparency. This bill directly affects the Federal Reserve System by mandating greater oversight of its operations and financial activities. The key provision repeals a prior limitation that prevented audits of certain Fed programs, aiming to clarify which activities are subject to audit under existing law.
WHO Withdrawal Act This bill requires the President to immediately withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and prohibits using any federal funds to provide for U.S. participation in the WHO. The bill also repeals the 1948 act authorizing the United States to join the WHO.
