H.J.Res. 139 · 119th Congress
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
Where it stands
- Introduced Done · Jan 9, 2026
- Committee Done · Jan 9, 2026
- Passed House Not yet
- Passed Senate Not yet
- President Not yet
- Law Not yet
Failed in the House on Mar 18, 2026.
From the official actions on Congress.gov.
Key points
- What it changes
- A plain-language summary isn't ready yet. The official summary below describes the bill.
- Who it affects
- A plain-language summary isn't ready yet. The official summary below describes the bill.
- What it costs
- No cost estimate yet.
- Where it stands
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95). (Mar 18, 2026)
- What happens next
- It failed in the House. It moves forward only if it is brought up for another vote.
Official summary
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.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House version), via Congress.gov. These are proposed provisions, not enacted law.
Recorded votes
-
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Failed (211–207)
This vote decided whether the bill passes this chamber.Votes by party
How each party voted on roll call 95 Party Yes No Present Did not vote Share voting Yes Democratic 1 207 0 6 Republican 210 0 0 8 Independent 0 0 0 0 Party totals from the official roll call.
Office of the Clerk, U.S. House ↗ — includes how every member voted
Vote types come from the official question text. How we label votes
Legislative history
- 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).
- 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).
- Mar 18, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)
- 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.
- Mar 18, 2026DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
- Mar 18, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561)
- Mar 18, 2026Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
- Feb 25, 2026Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
- Feb 25, 2026Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
- Feb 25, 2026Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
- Feb 3, 2026Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
- Feb 3, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jan 9, 2026Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Jan 9, 2026Introduced in House
- Jan 9, 2026Introduced in House