Contact Congress about H.J.Res. 139: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government.

Most federal spending would be capped based on revenue from the past three years. Congress would need special votes to spend more or to create or raise taxes.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government. is a House bill no longer advancing. The latest recorded action: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

Latest action on H.J.Res. 139: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 211 - 207 (Roll no. 95).

Who this affects: This proposal mainly affects people who rely on federal programs and services, as well as taxpayers. Spending could change when revenue rises or falls. It would also limit how Congress sets budgets and changes taxes.

Why this matters: Federal spending now can exceed the money the government collects. This amendment could reduce that gap by tying most spending to recent revenue. But it could also limit funding when the economy is weak and more people need help. Because the rules would be in the Constitution, changing them later would be much harder than changing a regular law.

Key provisions in H.J.Res. 139

• Most yearly federal spending would be tied to recent revenue. Apart from debt payments, spending could not exceed the prior three-year revenue average, adjusted for inflation and changes in the number of U.S. citizens.
• Borrowing would not increase the revenue used to set the spending cap. Only federal money that did not come from borrowing would count.
• Congress could approve specific spending above the normal limit. In ordinary years, two-thirds of all members in both chambers would have to approve it in recorded votes.
• A war year would use a different rule for spending above the limit. If Congress formally declared war, each chamber could approve specific extra spending by recorded vote without a stated two-thirds requirement.
• Creating a federal tax or raising a tax rate would require broad approval. Two-thirds of all House members and senators would have to approve the bill in recorded votes.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.J.Res. 139

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.J.Res. 139

What is H.J.Res. 139?

Most federal spending would be capped based on revenue from the past three years. Congress would need special votes to spend more or to create or raise taxes.

How do I support or oppose H.J.Res. 139?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.J.Res. 139?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.J.Res. 139?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.