Date: March 2, 1995

Subject: Balanced-Budget Amendment

Description: Passage of the joint resolution to propose a constitutional amendment to balance the budget by 2002 or two years after ratification, whichever is later. Three-fifths of the entire House and Senate would be required approve deficit spending or an increase in the public debt limit. A simple majority could waive the requirement in times of war or in the face of a serious military threat. The courts would be prohibited from raising taxes or cutting spending unless specifically authorized by Congress. Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole was credited with a favorable vote on this resolution, because his "No" vote was merely a procedural maneuver designed to allow him to call for a re-vote at a later date, should he garner one more favorable vote for the Balanced Budget Amendment.

Result: Joint Resolution Defeated, 65-35

Democrat: 14 Yeas, 33 Nays, 0 Not voting
Republican: 51 Yeas, 2 Nays, 0 Not voting

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