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Congress·Reported·5 days ago

House Committee Advances Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This proposal would change the U.S. Constitution to stop the government from spending more money than it brings in. It limits yearly spending to the average amount of tax money collected over the last three years, adjusted for inflation and population changes.
  • To make it harder to raise taxes, the amendment would require a two-thirds 'supermajority' vote in both the House and Senate for any new tax or tax rate increase. This is a much higher bar than the simple majority usually needed for most laws.
  • There are safety valves for emergencies. Congress could spend more than the limit if two-thirds of members agree to a specific cost, or if the United States is in a formal state of war.
  • This would be a massive change to how the government works. Supporters say it would stop the national debt from growing, while critics often worry it could lead to deep cuts in programs like Social Security or education during economic downturns.
  • Changing the Constitution is a long process. Two-thirds of both the House and Senate must approve the plan, and then 38 states must agree to it before it becomes law. If that happens, the new rules would start five years after the states finish voting.
Economy FinanceTaxes

Milestones

4 milestones6 actions
Feb 25, 2026House

Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

Feb 25, 2026House

Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.

Feb 3, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.

Feb 3, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jan 9, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Related News

4 articles
Forbes·27 days ago

Jim Jordan Leads Debate Over New Constitutional Amendment Mandating Balanced Budget

During a House Judiciary Committee markup, Chairman Jim Jordan advocated for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. The proposal includes a two-thirds vote requirement for tax hikes and spending caps based on historical revenue, intended to force fiscal discipline.

CR~
Kentucky Lantern·12 days ago

Florida's DeSantis jabs back at Beshear while in KY to push balanced budget amendment

Gov. Ron DeSantis testified in Kentucky in support of a national balanced budget amendment, part of a broader push to pressure Congress. Critics argue such amendments could force catastrophic cuts to Social Security and Medicare and prevent necessary borrowing during economic downturns.

CL=
The Spokesman-Review·22 days ago

Divided Idaho House calls for constitutional convention; Critics warn of risk to U.S. Constitution

The Idaho House narrowly passed a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to propose a federal balanced budget amendment. Proponents argue the move is necessary to pressure Congress into fiscal responsibility, while critics fear a 'runaway' convention could upend the Constitution.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

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

Bill NumberHJRES 139
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.