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

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 139

119th Congress

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

Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

Introduced:Feb 25, 2026

Primary Sponsor

Andy Biggs

R - AZ

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Summary

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget every year, meaning it couldn't spend more money than it collects in revenue. Like requiring a household to never spend more than it earns, this would fundamentally change how Washington operates by prohibiting deficit spending except under special circumstances. Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures—an extremely high bar that few proposals ever clear.

Latest Action

Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

Introduced2/25/2026

StatusPlaced on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

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

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget every year, meaning it couldn't spend more money than it collects in revenue. Like requiring a household to never spend more than it earns, this would fundamental

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

0%

0 predictions

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget every year, meaning it couldn't spend more money than it collects in revenue. Like requiring a household to never spend more than it earns, this would fundamentally change how Washington operates by prohibiting deficit spending except under special circumstances. Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures—an extremely high bar that few proposals ever clear.

Bill Number: 139
Introduced: 2/25/2026
Status: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
Policy Area: Economics and Public Finance

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
Bill Number: 139
Sponsor: No sponsor
Status: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 63.
Introduced: 2/25/2026
Summary: This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget every year, meaning it couldn't spend more money than it collects in revenue. Like requiring a household to never spend more than it earns, this would fundamentally change how Washington operates by pro

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the federal government to balance its budget every year, meaning it couldn't spend more money than it collects in revenue. Like requiring a household to never spend more than it earns, this would fundamentally change how Washington operates by prohibiting deficit spending except under special circumstances. Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures—an extremely high bar that few proposals ever clear.

Last updated: 2/26/2026

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Would mandate that federal spending cannot exceed revenue in any given year, eliminating the ability to run budget deficits that currently fund major government programs and services
Could severely limit the government's ability to respond to emergencies like recessions, natural disasters, or wars when increased spending is typically needed most
Would likely require either major cuts to popular programs like Social Security, Medicare, and defense spending, or significant tax increases to balance the books
Represents one of the most significant proposed changes to federal fiscal policy, shifting from 200+ years of flexible budget management to a rigid constitutional requirement
Has zero cosponsors currently, suggesting limited support even among members who generally favor fiscal restraint

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Every American would feel the effects of this amendment through changes to government services, benefits, and taxation. Seniors, veterans, students, and low-income families could see reduced benefits or services, while all taxpayers might face higher taxes to balance budgets without borrowing. During economic downturns when tax revenues naturally fall, the government would be constitutionally barred from deficit spending that typically helps stabilize the economy and prevent deeper recessions.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Economics and Public Finance

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

139, 119th Congress (2026). "Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hjres-139

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