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H.J.Res. 139119th CongressINTRODUCEDREPUBLICAN

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

Introduced Jan 9, 2026Andy Biggs (R-AZ)2 cosponsorsSource

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.

Bill text versions

Legislative Journey

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Floor
  4. Passed Chamber 1
  5. Passed Chamber 2
  6. Signed
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).

House
Mar 18, 2026

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).

Mar 18, 2026

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

House
Mar 18, 2026

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.

House
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

House
Mar 18, 2026

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

House
Mar 18, 2026

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

House
Feb 25, 2026

Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

House
Feb 25, 2026

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

House
Feb 25, 2026

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

Feb 3, 2026

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

House
Feb 3, 2026

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

House
Jan 9, 2026

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

House
Jan 9, 2026

Introduced in House

Jan 9, 2026

Introduced in House