This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a balanced budget requirement for the Federal Government. It stipulates that total annual expenditures generally cannot exceed the average annual receipts collected in the three prior years, with adjustments for population changes and inflation. This limit specifically excludes debt payments from expenditures and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment provides specific exceptions, allowing Congress to exceed the expenditure limit through a two-thirds roll call vote in both Houses for particular spending or during a declared war. Furthermore, any bill to levy a new tax or increase an existing tax rate would also require approval by a two-thirds majority of each House of Congress. This article would take effect five years after its ratification by three-fourths of the states.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
USA119th CongressHJRES-139| House
| Updated: 3/18/2026
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a balanced budget requirement for the Federal Government. It stipulates that total annual expenditures generally cannot exceed the average annual receipts collected in the three prior years, with adjustments for population changes and inflation. This limit specifically excludes debt payments from expenditures and receipts derived from borrowing. The amendment provides specific exceptions, allowing Congress to exceed the expenditure limit through a two-thirds roll call vote in both Houses for particular spending or during a declared war. Furthermore, any bill to levy a new tax or increase an existing tax rate would also require approval by a two-thirds majority of each House of Congress. This article would take effect five years after its ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
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.
Considered as unfinished business.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).