IA 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. J. RES. 5 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 5, 2011 Mr. Hensarling (for himself, Mr. Pence, and Mr. Campbell) introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary JOINT RESOLUTION Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to control spending.

That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within ten years after the date of its submission for ratification:  —

1.Total annual outlays shall not exceed one-fifth of economic output of the United States of America, unless two-thirds of each House of Congress shall provide for a specific increase of outlays above this amount. Total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States Government, except for those for repayment of debt principal.

2.The Congress may waive the provisions of this article while a declaration of war is in effect.

3.The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

4.This article shall take effect beginning the fifth fiscal year after its ratification.

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