To provide that reimbursement of Members of Congress by the House of Representatives for expenses incurred in connection with official duties are not subject to tax.
Impact
The enactment of HB5880 is intended to alleviate the tax burden on Congress members, making it easier for them to manage expenses related to their official roles. By ensuring that certain reimbursements are excluded from gross income, the bill aims to provide greater financial clarity and potentially encourage Members of Congress to undertake necessary expenses without fear of additional taxation. The bill reflects an understanding of the fiscal realities faced by legislators who may incur costs while fulfilling their duties.
Summary
House Bill 5880 introduces a tax exemption for reimbursements provided to Members of Congress by the House of Representatives for expenses incurred while performing their official duties. The bill specifies that any amounts received as reimbursements, provided they align with the guidelines established in the Members' Congressional Handbook and are deducted from the Members' Representational Allowance (MRA), should not be counted as gross income for tax purposes. This effectively means that these reimbursements will not be subject to federal taxes.
Contention
While the bill may receive general support among legislators, there could be potential points of contention surrounding the appropriateness of tax exemptions for Congress members. Critics may argue that it sets a precedent for self-serving financial privileges and may not resonate well with the public, who could be concerned about the fairness of tax benefits provided to elected officials compared to ordinary citizens. Conversely, supporters of the bill may emphasize its necessity for ensuring that Congress members are not financially penalized for fulfilling their responsibilities.
To provide a per diem allowance for Members of Congress for the costs of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred because of travel to and from the Washington Metropolitan Area in order to cast votes in Congress, and for other purposes.
Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.
Ban Congressmen Lobbyists Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from lobbying Congress or federal agencies at any point after leaving office. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying Congress for two years after leaving office. Members of the House of Representatives are prohibited from lobbying Congress for one year after leaving office. The bill applies to any person who is a Member of Congress during the 118th Congress or any succeeding Congress.