Why a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment Matters
For decades, the United States has attempted statutory budget controls. Every one of them has eventually been waived, suspended, or bypassed. A constitutional rule is the only durable solution that cannot be quietly undone by future Congresses.
Why Budget Rules Fail in the United States
Statutory Rules Can Be Changed at Any Time
Laws such as PAYGO, the Budget Control Act, and discretionary spending caps can be suspended or rewritten by the same Congress that passed them. Without constitutional force, there is no permanence.
Emergency Exceptions Expand Over Time
Emergency spending is necessary in true crises, but vague definitions allow exceptions to become routine. Over time, this erodes the rule itself.
No Personal Accountability
When fiscal rules are violated, there are no consequences for the lawmakers who approved the spending. Voters are left without a clear mechanism for accountability.
International Models That Work
🇨🇭 Switzerland — The Debt Brake
Enacted in 2003, Switzerland’s constitutional “debt brake” requires spending to align with long-term revenue. It is widely credited with reducing debt while maintaining economic stability.
🇸🇪 Sweden — Surplus Target Rule
After a severe fiscal crisis in the 1990s, Sweden adopted a binding fiscal framework. The result has been sustained budget discipline and high public trust.
🇩🇪 Germany — Schuldenbremse
Germany’s “debt brake,” embedded in its Basic Law, limits structural deficits and requires repayment after emergencies, ensuring long-term balance.
Why These Models Succeed
- Clear constitutional authority
- Independent verification and transparency
- Rules that operate across election cycles
- Defined emergency flexibility with repayment
Countries with durable fiscal rules tend to experience lower borrowing costs, more predictable public finances, and higher public confidence in government decision-making.
What Makes the 28th Amendment Different
Clear Structural Rule
The amendment defines receipts, outlays, debt, and surplus precisely, reducing ambiguity and limiting creative accounting.
Independent Certification
An independent Fiscal Accountability Office certifies compliance, removing self-policing from Congress itself.
Real Accountability
Members of Congress who violate the rule lose eligibility for reelection, aligning incentives with long-term fiscal responsibility.
Emergency Flexibility
The amendment allows exceptions for true emergencies, while requiring transparency and repayment to prevent abuse.
A Durable Solution for a Long-Term Challenge
Families, businesses, and local governments must balance their budgets. A constitutional democracy deserves a framework that does the same — honestly and transparently.
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