Politisphere

S. 45: Balanced Budget Accountability Act

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-01-09
SponsorSen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Policy areaCongress
Cosponsors0
Latest action2025-01-09 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Last updated2025-05-22

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-01-09):

Balanced Budget Accountability Act

This bill withholds Members of Congress's salaries in each chamber if the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) does not certify that the chamber has adopted a balanced budget. The bill also requires that revenue increases be agreed upon by an affirmative three-fifths vote in each chamber.

Balanced budget means a concurrent budget resolution providing that for FY2035 and each succeeding fiscal year to which the resolution applies total outlays do not exceed total receipts and are not more than 18% of the projected gross domestic product for such fiscal year. 

For the 119th Congress, if OMB does not certify that a chamber has adopted a balanced budget for the next fiscal year before April 16, salaries of Members of that chamber must be held in escrow until passage of a balanced budget or, if none is passed, the conclusion of the 119th Congress.

For subsequent Congresses, if OMB does not certify that a chamber has adopted a balanced budget for the next fiscal year before April 16, each Member of that chamber shall be paid at the rate of $1 annually for the remainder of the calendar year.

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 45 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 45 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 45?

S. 45 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Balanced Budget Accountability Act.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 45 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).