Ask AI
Bill119th CongressFiled Jan 9, 2026Economics and Public Finance
H.J.Res. 139

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

Bill journey · stage 1 of 5

Just introduced

Filed
Comm.
Floor
Both
Law

What it doesSummary reported to house (Feb 25, 2026)

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.

What just happenedMar 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).

Who’s behind it

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5](R-AZ)Sponsor
2 cosponsors2 R
Read on Congress.gov
2cosponsors1committees15actions4subjects
  • Reported in HouseFeb 25, 2026
  • Introduced in HouseJan 9, 2026
  1. Mar 18, 2026FloorH37300

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

  2. Mar 18, 2026Floor9000

    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).

  3. Mar 18, 2026FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)

  4. Mar 18, 2026FloorH37220

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  5. Mar 18, 2026FloorH8D000

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

  6. Mar 18, 2026FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561)

  7. Mar 18, 2026FloorH30300

    Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.

  8. Feb 25, 2026CalendarsH12420

    Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

  9. Feb 25, 2026CommitteeH12200

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

  10. Feb 25, 2026Committee5000

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

  11. Feb 3, 2026Committee

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

  12. Feb 3, 2026Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

  13. Jan 9, 2026IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  14. Jan 9, 2026IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  15. Jan 9, 2026IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Reported to HouseFeb 25, 20267

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.

Introduced in HouseJan 9, 2026

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.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budge… — Informed