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Proposed amendment would force Congress to balance the federal budget

Floor activityH.J.Res. 139Latest action

Sponsor: Andy Biggs · Representative · AZ

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
Read the official text

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

119th Congress

Topics: Jobs & the economy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

A proposed constitutional amendment would cap federal spending to past revenue unless two-thirds of Congress votes otherwise.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget, capping yearly spending at the average revenue collected over the prior three years, adjusted for population and inflation. Congress could exceed the cap only with a in both chambers or during a declared war, and any new tax or tax increase would also need a two-thirds vote. If ratified, rules would take effect five years later.

Who does it affect?

This would affect nearly everyone, since it would reshape how Congress funds Social Security, Medicare, defense, and other programs, and how tax laws are passed.

Why does it matter?

Supporters argue it would control government debt, while critics argue it could limit flexibility to respond to emergencies or recessions. As a constitutional amendment, it requires two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by 38 states, a process most proposals fail to complete.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Make the call

The last attempt failed: a House vote to pass it fell short of the two-thirds this fast-track vote needs, 211–207, on March 18, 2026.

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedJan 9, 2026
  2. House committee
  3. House voteYou are here · Mar 18, 2026
  4. Senate
  5. Sent to the states

Right now: a House vote to pass it fell short of the two-thirds this fast-track vote needs, 211–207. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House. Both chambers have to pass the same text, each by two thirds. A proposed constitutional amendment never goes to the president: it goes to the states, and three quarters of them have to ratify it before it takes effect.

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

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 95

    As recorded

    Question
    On Motion to and Pass
    Result:
    Failed
    211
    Nay
    207
    0
    14

    Republicans 210 yes, 8 not voting · Democrats 1 yes, 207 no, 6 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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