Bill · H.J.Res. 139· House(119-HJRES-139)
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
- Introduced
- 1/9/2026
- Last activity
- 3/18/2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- Failed
What this bill would do
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget. It limits annual total expenditures to the average receipts of the previous three years, adjusted for inflation and population changes. Congress can exceed these limits through a two-thirds roll call vote in each House or during a declared war. Additionally, any new taxes or tax increases would require a two-thirds roll call vote approval. The amendment would take effect five years after ratification.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+10
The amendment imposes a constitutional mandate for fiscal discipline and balanced budgeting.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+9
The bill mandates that expenditures cannot exceed a three-year average of receipts, effectively capping government spending.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?+8
Extremely high barriers to tax increases directly benefit the wealthiest individuals.
The opposite· 3 of 56
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-7
Low-income households rely most on the social services and subsidies that would likely be cut under this bill.
Would retired people be better off under this?-7
Directly threatened by potential cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
Does this give the federal government more power?-7
The bill significantly restricts the federal government's power to spend and tax.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to passFailed 211–207
The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not.
03/18/2026 · Roll call 95 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Spending Limits: Section 1 limits total expenditures to the average annual receipts of the three prior years, adjusted for inflation and population. This aims to keep government spending in line with actual revenue.
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Tax Protections: Section 4 requires a two-thirds roll call vote of each House for any bill that levies a new tax or increases an existing tax rate. This makes it more difficult for the government to increase taxes on the people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Spending Restrictions: Section 1 restricts expenditures, which may limit the government's ability to spend funds unless a two-thirds roll call vote is achieved under Section 2 or a war is declared under Section 3.
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Difficulty in Passing Legislation: Section 4 requires a high threshold of two-thirds of the whole number of each House for new or increased taxes, which could make it harder for the government to raise revenue for public needs.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Increases Affordable Care Act Support-5Increases Medicaid Funding-5Increases Medicare Funding-5Improves Healthcare Access-4Improves Pandemic Preparedness-4Increases Research Funding-4Improves Mental Health Access-3Improves Opioid Crisis Response-3Improves Veterans Healthcare-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Billionaires+8Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+8Good For High Net Worth Individuals+7Good For High Income Households+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Middle Aged+2Good For White Americans+1Good For Low Income Households-7Good For Retirees-7Good For Seniors-6Good For Students-6Good For People With Disabilities-5Good For Native Americans-4Good For Urban Residents-4Good For Veterans-4Good For African Americans-3Good For Children-3Good For Farmers-3Good For Hispanic Americans-3Good For Immigrants-3Good For Rural Residents-3Good For Union Workers-3Good For Young Adults-3Good For Women-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A-5Improves Public Transit-4Improves Roads And Bridges-4Increases Renewable Energy Investment-4Improves Environmental Protections-3Improves Public Land Management-3Improves Rural Development-3Reduces Carbon Emissions-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+10Reduces Government Spending+9Reduces National Debt+8Reduces Inflation+4Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Middle Class Taxes+2Reduces Small Business Taxes+2Increases Unemployment Benefits-4Increases Corporate Taxes-3Increases Wealthy Taxes-3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Student Loan Relief-6Improves College Affordability-5Increases Scientific Research Funding-4Increases Space Exploration-4Improves Internet Access-3Increases Public School Funding-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security-6Improves Poverty Reduction-5Improves Affordable Housing-4Improves Childcare Affordability-4Reduces Homelessness-4Improves Border Security-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Reduces Military Spending+4Increases Foreign Aid-5Improves Veterans Benefits-4Improves Cybersecurity Defense-3Increases Counter Terrorism Funding-3Improves Diplomatic Engagement-2Improves International Alliances-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+4Improves Government Transparency+1Increases Federal Power-7
- 3/18/2026
- 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).
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)
- 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.
- DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561)
- Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
- 2/25/2026
- Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
- Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
- 2/3/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
- 1/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Josh BrecheenRepublican · Oklahoma
Andrew ClydeRepublican · Georgia