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

Sponsored byRep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]AZ· Introduced 9 January 2026

Open on Congress.gov

Cosponsors

Actions

Amendments

Committees

—

Since introduced

Introduced

Committee

Failed

Passed Both

Enacted

Step 2 of 0

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).

18 March 2026·4 months ago

Summary

Introduced in House · Updated 26 February 2026

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.

Timeline

15 actions

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.
18 March 2026 · Floor
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2583-2584)
18 March 2026 · Floor
Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
18 March 2026 · Floor
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1115, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 139
18 March 2026 · Floor
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2560-2568; text: CR H2560-2561)
18 March 2026 · Floor
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
18 March 2026 · Floor
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).
18 March 2026 · Floor
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
25 February 2026 · Calendars
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
25 February 2026 · Committee
Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-520.
25 February 2026 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
3 February 2026 · Committee
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 10.
3 February 2026 · Committee
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
9 January 2026 · IntroReferral
Introduced in House
9 January 2026 · IntroReferral
Introduced in House
9 January 2026 · IntroReferral

Sponsorship

2 cosponsors

Sponsor

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]AZ

Cosponsors

Republican2100%

Republican:Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2]OK
Republican:Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]GA

Classification

Policy area

Economics and Public Finance

Legislative subjects

Budget deficits and national debtBudget processConstitution and constitutional amendmentsLegislative rules and procedure

Committees

Judiciary Committee
House · Standing
- Referred To9 Jan 2026
- Markup By3 Feb 2026
- Reported By25 Feb 2026

Reports

H. Rept. 119-520

Cosponsor momentum

Cumulative over time

Track Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government. as it moves through Congress