Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
H.J.Res. 139119th CongressEconomics and Public Finance
- Introduced
- Jan 9, 2026
- Latest action
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
- Mar 18, 2026
Recorded votes
Bills often get several votes: on amendments, procedural motions, and final passage. Open one to see how every member voted.
houseH.J.Res. 139
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.Fast-track passageFailed211–207
Summary
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total federal expenditures for a year from exceeding the average annual federal receipts collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in the population of U.S. citizens and inflation. Expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing are excluded.
Under the amendment, Congress may authorize specific expenditures in excess of the limit with (1) a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber, or (2) a roll call vote for any year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
The amendment also prohibits any bill to levy a new tax or increase the rate of any tax from becoming law unless it has been approved by a roll call vote of two-thirds of the whole number of each chamber of Congress.
The requirements take effect in the fifth year beginning after ratification of the amendment.