(Just The News)—In light of the nation’s $38 trillion national debt, U.S. House lawmakers met Wednesday to discuss ways to structure a constitutional amendment mandating that Congress pass deficit-neutral budgets.
The House Judiciary subcommittee, however, produced no concrete plan and lawmakers mainly engaged in partisan blame games, even as multiple witnesses there to testify outlined possible solutions.
The U.S. has spent more money than it takes in for decades, resulting in skyrocketing deficits each year. In fiscal year 2025, the federal deficit – the gap between spending and revenue – amounted to roughly $1.8 trillion, the Congressional Budget Office estimated.
“The debt ceiling is a joke…a political football,” David Walker, chair of the Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation, told lawmakers. “The only thing that can bind current and future congresses and presidents is a constitutional amendment.”
Republicans, who mostly support such an amendment, say the debt and deficit problem is caused by excessive spending, and that the solution is enforced spending restraint.
A constitutional requirement that federal outlays not surpass revenue would apply to the whole of government spending – including automatically-renewed mandatory spending on entitlement programs – not just what lawmakers spend in annual appropriations bills.
“Mandatory spending, including net interest, has increased from about $1.6 trillion in Fiscal 2002 to a projected $5.1 trillion for Fiscal 2026,” Walker points out in his pre-prepared remarks. “In addition, federal deficits have increased from $158 billion to a projected $1.8 trillion during the same period even though the United States is not currently engaged in any major armed conflicts as was the case in 2002.”
Most Democrats, however, argue that the problem is driven by revenue-reducing policies like tax cuts, and that the solution is more revenue through increasing taxes rather than less spending.
Many highlighted how balancing the federal budget would require overhauling nearly all entitlement programs.
“This means you’re going to have to cut Social Security, Medicare, food assistance, and other programs that regular people rely on,” U.S. Rep. Rebecca Belint, D-Vt., said.
Minority witness Brendan Duke from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities added that a deficit-neutral budget would exacerbate and prolong recessions.
“Revenue is the solution here, we should just have smarter taxes,” Duke said.
Walker said the problem requires addressing both spending and revenue levels, recommending lawmakers pursue a 3-1 GDP ratio — three parts projected spending reduction to one part revenue increase.
But the main problem with implementing a balanced budget amendment that actually works is how to enforce it while also allowing exceptions for emergencies.
Laws to enforce fiscal responsibility already do exist, such as PAYGO, which requires Congress to offset increases in mandatory spending by deficit reduction measures, triggering automatic spending cuts in other areas if lawmakers fail to comply.
Yet lawmakers nearly always take advantage of “emergency” exceptions to bypass PAYGO and other similar laws, allowing Congress to authorize $15 trillion in deficit spending since 1991, The Center Square reported.
“This whole place is unserious about balancing the budget, and if you give them any exemption, they’ll use it,” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a well-known fiscal hawk, said.
Chairman Chip Roy, R-Texas, agreed that both sides are responsible for the current fiscal crisis.
“We are constitutionally, as members of Congress, hardwired unfortunately to want to effectively buy people’s votes with a never-ending array of spending programs – whether they are meritorious or not,” Roy said. “We have got to do something to stop mortgaging our children’s future.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.