Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB141

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

No Pay for Disarray Act This bill eliminates one day of pay for each Member of the House of Representatives for any day of a Congress during which no Speaker has been elected.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have a significant effect on how pay is distributed to House members during Congress. It stipulates that for each day the House has not elected a Speaker, members would have their pay reduced by the equivalent of one day’s salary, effectively making it a financial incentive for prompt leadership election. This change aims to curtail instances of disarray within the House and encourage a more efficient start to legislative sessions.

Summary

House Bill 141, titled the ‘No Pay for Disarray Act’, proposes to implement a salary reduction for Members of the House of Representatives if a Speaker is not elected by the end of the first day of a Congress. The objective of the bill is to promote accountability within the House and ensure that members fulfill their responsibilities in a timely manner. It is a response to the frustrations surrounding the prolonged periods during which the House has been unable to elect a Speaker, which can delay legislative work and governance.

Contention

While the proposal to reduce pay for congressional representatives under specific conditions may seem straightforward, it raises discussions about the appropriateness and potential consequences of such measures. Critics may argue that financial penalties could unfairly target members who have no control over the political dynamics affecting the election of the Speaker, as well as question whether the legislation addresses underlying issues of governance within Congress. Proponents, on the other hand, believe that holding representatives accountable through financial implications will incentivize them to prioritize their duties and work towards effective governance.

Companion Bills

US HB507

Related HUMBLE Act Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination Act

Similar Bills

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