CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

House Roll Call 95

119th Congress · Session 2 · March 18, 2026

A fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass

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.

What was being voted on

119-HJRES-139 — Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.

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.

The House recorded this as
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government
Result: Failed
Needed two-thirds of those voting, a higher bar than usual — reserved for fast-tracked bills, overriding a veto, and treaties.
Yea: 211Nay: 207Not Voting: 14432 members
PartyYeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat D120706
Republican R210008
Official record
How each member voted (432)
211 yea, 207 nay, 14 not voting