Bill

H.J.Res. 139 (119th): 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

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.

house · Substantive

Rankings updated October 26, 2026, 11:44 AM ET · Votes through September 30, 2026
Exported candidates: 719 | Filings on file, by office: H: 5838 | P: 1467 | S: 1567. These counts include every filing for that office, so they are larger than the ranked list. One person can have more than one filing. Non-voting delegates are left out.

Official source

Summary

Recorded summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would bar total federal expenditures in a given year from exceeding the average annual federal receipts of the three prior years, adjusted for changes in the population of U.S. citizens and inflation. Debt payments and receipts from borrowing are excluded. Congress could exceed the limit by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber, or by a roll call vote in any year a declaration of war is in effect. The amendment would also bar any bill raising a tax or tax rate from becoming law without a two-thirds roll call vote of the whole membership of each chamber. The requirements would take effect in the fifth year after ratification. The title is procedural and the operative content is taken from the summary.

appropriationsbalanced_budgetconstitutional_amendmentconstitutional_restraintdebt_spendingfiscal_limitfiscal_responsibilitytax_restraint

Theological note: This measure concerns the stewardship of public resources and the limits placed on government power over the people's earnings and debts. Scripture commends prudence, honest weights, and avoiding the burden of debt, while also warning against oppressive taxation and against rulers who lay heavy burdens on others. Fiscal limits can serve those ends by restraining unchecked spending and tax increases, though their wisdom depends on their design, exceptions, and effects on the common good. The issue is one of prudential stewardship and constitutional restraint rather than a direct question of innocent blood or the direct advancement of moral evil.

Scoring

How this bill is scored

Debt and war Cloture and Tier 1 Procedural votes Scoring mechanics monetary injustice economic justice

Roll

Recorded votes

Roll 95 · 18-Mar-2026 5:34 PM · On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · Failed

Yea 211 · Nay 207 · Other 14

Yea

Nay

Other

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