A joint resolution proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States relative to the line item veto, a limitation on the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve, and requiring a vote of two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of Congress on any legislation raising or imposing new taxes or fees.

Summary

S.J. Res. 2 is a joint resolution proposing three constitutional amendments to be voted on by Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states. The first amendment would grant the President a line-item veto power, allowing the President to reduce or disapprove specific appropriations in bills passed by Congress, with Congress having the ability to override such actions by a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The second amendment would impose term limits on members of Congress: limiting Representatives to six terms (12 years) and Senators to two terms (12 years), with terms served before ratification not counting toward the limit. The third amendment would require a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber of Congress to pass any legislation that imposes, authorizes, or raises taxes or fees, including increases in tax rates, new taxes, or reductions in tax exemptions, deductions, or credits, and such legislation must be single-subject (containing no other provisions). As a joint resolution proposing constitutional amendments, it does not go to the President for signature but instead requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to be submitted to the states for ratification, where it must be approved by the legislatures of at least 38 states within seven years to become part of the Constitution. The resolution aims to enhance presidential authority over spending, limit career-long service in Congress, and make tax increases more difficult to achieve, reflecting concerns about fiscal responsibility, political accountability, and governmental efficiency.

Where Each Party Stands

History