H.J.Res. 172 explained  ·  119th Congress  ·  Pending in Congress

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect United States citizenship.

Create a free account or sign in to follow H.J.Res. 172 and get alerts. Policy area: Immigration Create a free account or sign in to follow the Immigration policy area and get alerts. ▲ 168 days since action Sponsor: Clay Fuller, GA-14, R → Congress.gov

Cosponsors: 6 (0 D, 6 R) · per Congress.gov, 2026-10-14

Introduced: 2026-05-04

Latest action (2026-05-04): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

What H.J.Res. 172 does, in plain terms

The Congressional Research Service has not published a summary of H.J.Res. 172 yet. Its official title: “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect United States citizenship.”.

Constitution Index

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The Framers

“Founders’ Verdict”

CONSTITUTIONAL

Confidence 1.00

Archived SI output (machine-generated)

No editorial review recorded. This historical SI verdict was machine-generated by software and predates the review desk; check it against the official bill text.

Synthesis

Unanimous agreement that referring a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to committee is constitutional under Article V and standard legislative procedures.

Hamilton YES

The proposal of an amendment to the Constitution by Congress through a joint resolution is a power expressly granted therein. Article V vests in Congress, upon a two-thirds concurrence of both Houses, the authority to propose amendments, which may then be ratified by three-fourths of the states. This mechanism ensures the adaptability of the republican frame without risking hasty or tyrannical alterations, as I expounded upon the sufficiency of this process for correcting defects while preserving stability. Referral to committee is a regular legislative proceeding antecedent to the required vo…

Article V Federalist No. 85
Jefferson YES

The introduction and referral of a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution is a proceeding expressly authorized by the federal compact. Article V empowers Congress, upon deeming it necessary by two-thirds of both Houses, to propose amendments, which this bill initiates through the legislative process. This action neither expands federal power beyond enumerated bounds nor encroaches upon the reserved rights of the States and the people, as affirmed by the Tenth Amendment, ensuring that all powers not delegated remain with them. From first principles, such proposals perfect the ins…

Article V Amendment X
Madison YES

The action of referring a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to the House Committee on the Judiciary is a standard step in the legislative process, fully consonant with the deliberative mechanisms designed to prevent hasty alterations to the fundamental law. Article V expressly empowers Congress, by a vote of two-thirds in both Houses, to propose amendments, ensuring that such proposals emerge from careful consideration rather than factional impulse. This referral facilitates the requisite deliberation among representatives, guarding against the perils of sudden change as co…

Article V Federalist No. 43
Marshall YES

The proposed resolution seeks to initiate the amendment process under the express authority granted to Congress by the Constitution. Article V vests in Congress the power, upon the concurrence of two-thirds of both Houses, to propose amendments to this Constitution. The referral of the resolution to the House Committee on the Judiciary constitutes a procedural step within the rulemaking authority of each House, as each House may determine the rules of its proceedings. This action neither exceeds nor contravenes the constitutional framework, for the supremacy of the Constitution, as established…

Article V Article I, Section 5
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What should pass

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Archived SI output (machine-generated) · No editorial review recorded

This historical draft has no editorial review time on record. Check its claims against the original bill and current law.

Joint Resolution Proposing Amendment to Clarify and Protect Birthright Citizenship

Generated by VFA SI Solutions

Propose a constitutional amendment to the Fourteenth Amendment clarifying that birthright citizenship is granted only to those born in the US to at least one citizen or lawful permanent resident parent, thereby protecting the integrity of US citizenship.

Bipartisan rationale: Honors Republican priorities on strict immigration enforcement, border security, and limiting incentives for illegal immigration; does not directly honor Democratic priorities on comprehensive immigration reform or expansive birthright citizenship, relying primarily on Republican votes.

Funding: Existing House and Senate operations budge $0 additional (budget neutral; Sunset 7y Oversight: House and Senate Judiciary Com Enforcement: Ratification by legislatures of thre
→ Article V → Fourteenth Amendment Section 1

Article V Amendment XIV, Section 1

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