VoterlyH.J.Res. 139: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
119th Congress · Sponsored from Arizona · Failed
What this bill does
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.
Key facts
- Status Failed
- Introduced 2026-01-09
- Policy area Economics and Public Finance
- Cosponsors 2
- 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).
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5] introduced H.J.Res. 139. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.J.Res. 139? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.J.Res. 139 do?
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 f…
Who sponsored H.J.Res. 139?
Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5] (R) of Arizona is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.J.Res. 139?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.J.Res. 139 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "Failed." See the latest action above for details.