House · HJRES 139 · 119th Congress
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
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Summary
This bill proposes a change to the U.S. Constitution that would require the federal government to balance its budget each year. Spending could not exceed the average income the government collected over the past three years. It would also require a two-thirds vote in Congress to raise taxes.
In Favor
The federal government spends far more than it takes in each year. This bill forces Congress to live within its means like most families must do. Requiring a two-thirds vote to raise taxes gives citizens stronger protection against higher tax burdens.
Against
During a recession, tax income drops sharply and this rule would force spending cuts at the worst time. Raising taxes to cover a crisis would need a two-thirds vote, making quick action very hard. Both limits together could tie Congress's hands when people need help most.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This resolution proposes a change to the U.S. Constitution requiring that federal spending in any year not exceed the average income collected over the prior three years, adjusted for population and price changes.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The provisions stay on topic, covering the spending limit, exceptions for declared wars or two-thirds votes, a higher vote requirement for new or higher taxes, and a five-year delay before taking effect.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
All federal agencies and programs would face a spending ceiling tied to past income levels. Congress would need larger vote totals to raise taxes or to spend above the limit.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill sets no dollar amount and appropriates no funds. Instead, it creates a spending ceiling based on a three-year average of federal income, adjusted for population growth and inflation each year.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The amendment requires ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures before it takes effect, which is a multi-step process outside Congress alone. Calculating the spending ceiling each year would require agreed-upon methods for measuring population and inflation.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026