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Debt Ceiling Reform Act

USA119th CongressHR-4634| House 
| Updated: 7/23/2025
Brendan F. Boyle

Brendan F. Boyle

Democratic Representative

Pennsylvania

Ways and Means Committee, Rules Committee, Budget Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, titled the "Debt Ceiling Reform Act," establishes a structured process to prevent the United States from defaulting on its financial obligations. It introduces a mechanism where the Secretary of the Treasury can initiate a suspension of the statutory debt limit for up to two years. This process aims to ensure the government can meet its existing commitments without repeated, contentious debates over raising the debt ceiling. Under the proposed system, the Secretary of the Treasury would submit a written certification to Congress, stating that further borrowing is necessary. Congress would then have a 45-day window to consider a specific joint resolution of disapproval . If this disapproval resolution is not enacted within the 45-day period, the debt ceiling is automatically suspended for the duration specified by the Secretary. The bill includes detailed expedited procedures for the consideration of the joint resolution of disapproval in both the House and Senate, designed to ensure a swift vote by limiting debate and preventing amendments. If the suspension takes effect, the debt limit will be increased at the end of the suspension period to accommodate the obligations incurred. During this suspension, the Treasury is prohibited from building excessive cash reserves, and all obligations must be necessary to fund existing commitments. The President's annual budget submission will also be required to include estimates of public debt as a percentage of the gross domestic product.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-6724
Debt Ceiling Reform Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3953
Debt Ceiling Reform Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5415
Debt Ceiling Reform Act
Jul 23, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2405
Introduced in Senate
Jul 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-6724
    Debt Ceiling Reform Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3953
    Debt Ceiling Reform Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5415
    Debt Ceiling Reform Act


  • July 23, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2405
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Economics and Public Finance

Related Bills

  • S 119-2405: Debt Ceiling Reform Act

Debt Ceiling Reform Act

USA119th CongressHR-4634| House 
| Updated: 7/23/2025
This legislation, titled the "Debt Ceiling Reform Act," establishes a structured process to prevent the United States from defaulting on its financial obligations. It introduces a mechanism where the Secretary of the Treasury can initiate a suspension of the statutory debt limit for up to two years. This process aims to ensure the government can meet its existing commitments without repeated, contentious debates over raising the debt ceiling. Under the proposed system, the Secretary of the Treasury would submit a written certification to Congress, stating that further borrowing is necessary. Congress would then have a 45-day window to consider a specific joint resolution of disapproval . If this disapproval resolution is not enacted within the 45-day period, the debt ceiling is automatically suspended for the duration specified by the Secretary. The bill includes detailed expedited procedures for the consideration of the joint resolution of disapproval in both the House and Senate, designed to ensure a swift vote by limiting debate and preventing amendments. If the suspension takes effect, the debt limit will be increased at the end of the suspension period to accommodate the obligations incurred. During this suspension, the Treasury is prohibited from building excessive cash reserves, and all obligations must be necessary to fund existing commitments. The President's annual budget submission will also be required to include estimates of public debt as a percentage of the gross domestic product.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-6724
Debt Ceiling Reform Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3953
Debt Ceiling Reform Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5415
Debt Ceiling Reform Act
Jul 23, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2405
Introduced in Senate
Jul 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-6724
    Debt Ceiling Reform Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3953
    Debt Ceiling Reform Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5415
    Debt Ceiling Reform Act


  • July 23, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2405
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Brendan F. Boyle

Brendan F. Boyle

Democratic Representative

Pennsylvania

Ways and Means Committee, Rules Committee, Budget Committee

Economics and Public Finance

Related Bills

  • S 119-2405: Debt Ceiling Reform Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted