Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a fiscal year unless both Houses of Congress have agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.
Impact
The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that Congress adheres to a timely budget process, which has been fraught with delays in recent years. By tying compensation to the completion of the budget resolution, supporters of HJR4 argue that it would create a stronger incentive for legislators to work collaboratively and efficiently in passing necessary budget measures. The expectation is that this could lead to more disciplined government spending and greater trust from constituents regarding fiscal management.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR4) proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at linking the compensation of Members of Congress to the passage of a concurrent budget resolution. Specifically, it stipulates that no congressional member shall receive compensation during any fiscal year unless both legislative chambers have agreed on a budget prior to the start of that fiscal year. This resolution is a response to ongoing concerns about fiscal responsibility and accountability in Congress.
Contention
However, there are notable concerns associated with this proposal. Opponents of HJR4 argue that linking compensation to budget resolutions could lead to unintended consequences, such as disruptions in congressional operations. Critics suggest that further financial pressure on legislators might exacerbate partisanship, as lawmakers may use budget discussions as leverage points rather than focusing on the needs of their constituents. Additionally, there are concerns that the resolution could impact the effectiveness of Congress in responding to urgent fiscal challenges when budget approvals are contentious.
Overall_conclusion
As discussions around HJR4 evolve, it remains to be seen whether the amendment will garner sufficient support to become a reality. The balance between ensuring fiscal responsibility and maintaining a functional legislative process will be critical in assessing the viability and potential effectiveness of this constitutional amendment.
This joint resolution proposes amending the Constitution to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation unless both chambers have agreed to a fiscal year budget prior to the start of the fiscal year.The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification. The amendment applies beginning in the fiscal year after the amendment is ratified and becomes a valid part of the Constitution.Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.
No Budget, No Pay Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not agreed to a budget resolution for the next fiscal year by April 15, as required by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.Salaries are withheld from April 16 until the earlier of (1) the day on which the chamber of Congress agrees to a budget resolution for the next fiscal year, or (2) the last day of the Congress.
A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays for the fiscal year do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive the requirements for any fiscal year in which (1) a declaration of war is in effect by a roll call vote, or (2) a declaration of a natural disaster or a national emergency is in effect that was declared by a joint resolution that became law after being adopted by a majority of each chamber of Congress.
Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
No Budget, No Pay Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from being paid in a fiscal year until both chambers approve the budget resolution and pass all regular appropriations bills for that fiscal year. Retroactive pay is prohibited for such a period.
Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.
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