Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.
FailedThis 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.
Mar 18, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).
Failed
The proposed constitutional amendment requires the federal government to maintain a balanced budget, limiting expenditures to the average annual receipts of the previous three years, adjusted for population and inflation. Exceptions are allowed with a two-thirds congressional vote or during a declared war. The amendment also requires a two-thirds vote for new taxes or tax increases and mandates congressional enforcement through legislation.