Goodlatte, R-Va., motion to suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution that would propose a constitutional amendment that would require the U.S. government to operate under a balanced budget each year, beginning five years after ratification. Under the proposal, three-fifths of the entire House and Senate would be required to approve deficit spending or an increase in the public debt limit, but a simple majority would be sufficient to waive the requirement in times of congressionally declared war or in the face of a serious military threat.