Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HJR93

Introduced
9/27/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

If HJR93 is ratified, it would fundamentally change the financial incentives for Congress members, encouraging them to prioritize timely appropriations and budgetary decisions. The potential impact extends beyond just pay; it seeks to enhance accountability and transparency within government operations. Proponents argue this will discourage the political maneuvering that often leads to government shutdowns, as legislators would face direct financial consequences for such failures. This amendment aims to promote more responsible governance and protect taxpayer interests.

Summary

HJR93 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during any period in which a government shutdown is in effect. The resolution defines a government shutdown as a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department due to the failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution. The measure aims to hold legislators accountable by ensuring they do not receive pay for their inability to perform their duties during such shutdowns, thereby connecting their financial compensation directly to their functional capacity to govern.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HJR93, there may be differences of opinion regarding its practicality and effectiveness. Critics might argue that the proposal oversimplifies the complex reasons behind government shutdowns, which are often rooted in broader political disputes. There are concerns that withholding pay may disproportionately affect legislators from less affluent backgrounds, creating an uneven playing field. Supporters, on the other hand, assert that such repercussions are necessary to ensure legislative accountability and discourage manipulation of budgetary negotiations for political gain.

Companion Bills

US HJR101

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

US HJR101

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.

US HJR4

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.

US HJR9

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

US HB5696

Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023

US HB1973

No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act

US HJR86

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of years during which an individual may serve as a Member of Congress.

US HB3538

No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act

US HJR94

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting pay for Members of Congress and requiring legislation to reduce the national debt.

US HJR90

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

US HJR20

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of consecutive terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.