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

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 18On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

Summary

**House Joint Resolution 139 - Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment** **What it does:** This resolution would have added a new requirement to the U.S. Constitution forcing the federal government to balance its budget each year - meaning it could not spend more money than it takes in through taxes and other revenue. **Who it affects:** All Americans, as this would fundamentally change how the federal government operates financially. It would affect government programs, services, and the ability to respond to economic crises. **What would change:** If passed, Congress would be legally required to pass budgets where spending equals revenue. The government could no longer run annual deficits (spending more than it earns) except possibly in special circumstances like wars or emergencies, depending on the amendment's specific language. **Status:** This constitutional amendment failed to pass, so current budget practices remain unchanged.

How This Affects You