HJRES 139 119th Congress

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

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).

Congress.gov

Sponsors

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

R — AZ

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.
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.

Vote Result

Failed 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).

Actions

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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).

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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.

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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

2026-03-18T00:00:00

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

2026-02-25T00:00:00

Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

2026-02-25T00:00:00

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

2026-02-25T00:00:00

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

2026-02-03T00:00:00

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

2026-02-03T00:00:00

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

2026-01-09T00:00:00

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

2026-01-09T00:00:00

Introduced in House

2026-01-09T00:00:00

Introduced in House

Policy Areas

Economics and Public Finance

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