United StatesProposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
What it does
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.
More detail
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.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 18Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.Latest
- Vote recorded Legislative vote recorded. Result: Failed.House
- Mar 18Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561)
- Mar 18DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
- Mar 18At 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.
- Mar 18Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)
- Mar 18Failed 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).Passed House
- Mar 18On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
- Feb 25Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
- Feb 25Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
- Feb 3Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Feb 3Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
- Jan 9Introduced in House
- Jan 9Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.Introduced
- Mar 18Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.Latest