Skip to content
Govbase
Govbase
Congress·Reported·H.J.Res. 139

House Committee Advances Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment

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

View on Congress.gov
Part of: Congress Proposes Constitutional Amendment for Balanced Federal Budget

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

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

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

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

Broader Impacts

Score
Scores: -5 (harmful) to +5 (beneficial)Short-term: 0-2 yearsLong-term: 10-30 years

State Impacts

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

Milestones

4 milestones13 actions
Mar 18, 2026House

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

Failed 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, 2026House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)

Mar 18, 2026House

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.

Mar 18, 2026House

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139

Vote Results

1 vote
HouseFailedProceduralMar 18, 2026

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

211
207
Democrat
1 – 207 · 6
Republican
210 – 0 · 8
View full roll call

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 ActionOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.