Balanced-budget amendment back in Congress

For the first time in nearly 15 years, Congress this week will vote on a balanced-budget amendment, and with the nation’s economy stalled and Europe’s debt crisis rippling across the globe there may be enough impetus for lawmakers to push the amendment through at least one chamber.

The House will take up the constitutional amendment first. If it wins a two-thirds majority there, the Senate would be required to consider an identical version — and need a two-thirds vote to pass it.