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House joint resolution · H.J.Res. 139 (119th Congress)

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.

U.S. House of Representatives

Latest action Mar 18, 2026

Sponsor: Andy Biggs (U.S. Representative, AZ-5, Republican)

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From Congress.gov and official rosters. This record was last updated Jul 30, 2026. About our data

Summary

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.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Did not advance and is no longer active.

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Up for a vote
  4. Passed one chamber
  5. Passed
  6. Enacted
Did not pass

Committee

House Committee on the Judiciary · U.S. House of Representatives

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Cosponsors

2

Cosponsors listed on Congress.gov, shown A to Z.

  • Republican2

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Recorded votes

  • Vote: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

    U.S. HouseMar 18, 2026Result: Failed

    (211) (207) (0) (14)

Full history

  1. Mar 18, 2026

    Debate - Pursuant to the Provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House Proceeded With One Hour of Debate on H.J. Res. 139

    DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139

    U.S. House of Representatives

  2. Mar 18, 2026

    Did not pass

    Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

    U.S. House of Representatives

  3. Mar 18, 2026

    Did not pass

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

    U.S. House

  4. Mar 18, 2026

    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass the Resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 Required): 211 - 207 (roll no. 95).

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

  5. Feb 25, 2026

    Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

    U.S. House of Representatives

Show full history (6 earlier events)
  1. Feb 25, 2026

    Reported out of committee

    Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.

  2. Feb 3, 2026

    Committee vote

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

  3. Feb 3, 2026

    Reported out of committee

    Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.

  4. Jan 9, 2026

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    U.S. House of Representatives

  5. Jan 9, 2026

    Introduced

    Introduced in U.S. House

    U.S. House

  6. Jan 9, 2026

    Referred to committee

    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

    U.S. House of Representatives

Read the record