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Congressman Patronis Issues a Statement on Democrats’ Blocking Balanced Budget Amendment

March 19, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Patronis issued a statement regarding House Democrats’ refusal to support H.J. Res 139, a proposed constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget.

Congressman Patronis said, “For too long, Washington has spent without limits, wasting your hard-earned dollars while families tighten their budgets. Instead of cutting spending, Democrats blocked a commonsense solution. It’s time to cut up Washington’s credit card and put money back in the hands of the American people, because they spend it better than D.C. does.”

The proposed amendment would:

  • Limit how much the federal government can spend based on what it brings in.
  • Require a supermajority vote in Congress to spend beyond that limit, except during war.
  • Require a supermajority vote to raise taxes.

H.J. Res. 139 failed by a vote of 211–207, falling short of the required threshold for passage as a constitutional amendment.

Congressman Patronis is urging Congress to rein in reckless spending, pass a balanced budget amendment, and is calling on Americans to contact their representatives to demand fiscal responsibility.

To contact your member of Congress, click here

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