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.
Impact
The proposed amendment places a significant check on congressional compensation, linking it directly to the timely passage of budget resolutions. Supporters of the bill argue that this will incentivize Congress to prioritize budget discussions and prevent delays in enacting fiscal policies. If this amendment were to pass, it could foster a more efficient legislative process, as members might be more motivated to come to an agreement on funding allocations, thus ensuring government services and operations are adequately financed.
Summary
HJR7 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that aims to increase fiscal responsibility among Members of Congress. The resolution states that no Member of Congress shall receive compensation during a fiscal year unless both the House and Senate agree on a concurrent resolution concerning the budget for that fiscal year prior to its commencement. This initiative seeks to ensure that Congress is fully accountable for its budgetary decisions, thereby encouraging timely negotiations and the passing of budget resolutions.
Contention
Despite the potential for positive impact, there are concerns regarding the implications of this amendment. Critics argue that tying compensation to budget resolutions could further complicate partisan gridlock, as members may face extreme pressure during budget negotiations. This could be particularly problematic in times of economic uncertainty, where immediate funding is crucial for ongoing government operations. Additionally, there are worries that such a measure could disproportionately affect Members of Congress who may already be facing electoral vulnerabilities during negotiation periods.
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.
Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.
A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment without delay.
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.
A joint resolution proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States relative to the line item veto, a limitation on the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve, and requiring a vote of two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of Congress on any legislation raising or imposing new taxes or fees.
Expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment without delay.
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.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
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.
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.