WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.J.Res. 139 · 119th Congress

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

Reported by committeeEconomics and Public Finance
IntroducedJan 9, 2026
Passed HouseNot yet
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Reported by committee. Latest step, Mar 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). The House voted it down 211–207.

What it does

Sourced

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.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 9, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Mar 18, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95). Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  2. Mar 18, 2026Failed 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). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  3. Mar 18, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)House floor actions
  4. Mar 18, 2026At 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.House floor actions
  5. Mar 18, 2026DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139House floor actions
  6. Mar 18, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561)House floor actions
  7. Mar 18, 2026Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.House floor actions
  8. Feb 25, 2026Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.House floor actions
  9. Feb 25, 2026Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.House floor actions
  10. Feb 25, 2026Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.Library of Congress
  11. Feb 3, 2026Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.House committee actions
  12. Feb 3, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  13. Jan 9, 2026Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
  14. Jan 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  15. Jan 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Mar 18, 2026 · HouseFailed 211–207
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
    R 210 yes, 0 noD 1 yes, 207 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Josh Brecheen R-OK-2
  • Andrew S. Clyde R-GA-9