H.J.Res. 139: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
Sponsor
Andy Biggs
Republican · AZ-5
What H.J.Res. 139 does
H.J.Res. 139 would amend the Constitution to limit total federal spending in a year to the average annual federal receipts collected in the three prior years, adjusted for changes in the population of U.S. citizens and inflation. Debt payments and money raised by borrowing are excluded.
Congress could authorize spending above the limit with a roll call vote of two-thirds of each chamber, or with a roll call vote in any year a declaration of war is in effect. The amendment would also bar any bill that creates a new tax or raises a tax rate from becoming law unless two-thirds of the whole number of each chamber approve it by roll call. The requirements would take effect in the fifth year after ratification.
How the House voted
Failed · March 18, 20261 Democrat broke with their party to vote yes
Henry CuellarOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: H J RES 139 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government · Roll no. 95 · Official record
HJRES139 Legislative Journey
House: Failed
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).
+6 more actions this day
House: Committee Action
Feb 25, 2026
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
House: Vote: 16-10
Feb 3, 2026
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
House: Committee Action
Jan 9, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
About the Sponsor
Andy Biggs
Republican, Arizona's 5th congressional district · 9 years in Congress
Committees: the Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform
View full profile →
Cosponsors (2)
All 2 cosponsors are Republicans. Cosponsors represent 2 states: Georgia, Oklahoma.
Committee Sponsors
Judiciary Committee
0 of 44 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
24 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.J.Res. 139 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Judiciary
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Economics and Public Finance
- Introduced
- Jan 9, 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).
Mar 18, 2026
H.J.Res. 139 Bill Text
“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Get notified when H.J.Res. 139 moves
Committee votes, floor action, cosponsor changes — straight to your inbox.
Bill alerts + Legisletter's monthly briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
Economics and Public Finance Bills
9 related bills we're tracking
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 11, 2026
Incentivize Savings Act
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 19.
Feb 4, 2026
Inflation Reduction Act of 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Financial Services, Science, Space, and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan 3, 2025
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027
Became Public Law No: 119-103.
Sep 2, 2026
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Became Public Law No: 119-21.
Jul 4, 2025
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S8522)
Dec 8, 2025
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 156.
Sep 10, 2025
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 227.
Sep 11, 2025
Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-37.
Nov 12, 2025
Trending Right Now
Bills gaining momentum across Congress
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Feb 21, 2025
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
May 8, 2025
ASAP Act
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Sep 16, 2026
Tracking Economics and Public Finance in Congress? Monitor bills, track cosponsor momentum, and launch advocacy campaigns — all from one advocacy platform.