US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB224

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.

Impact

If passed, HB 224 would establish a concrete financial consequence for Congress members who do not fulfill their responsibilities in regard to budgetary approvals. This act may encourage a more proactive approach to legislative decision-making and could lead to a shift in how members of Congress prioritize the timely passage of essential funding measures. The bill could potentially improve fiscal discipline within the government by ensuring that members are incentivized to avoid gridlock during budget negotiations.

Summary

House Bill 224, titled the 'Inaction Has Consequences Act,' proposes a mechanism to hold the salaries of members of Congress in escrow if they fail to pass regular appropriation bills in a timely manner before the start of the fiscal year, starting with fiscal year 2024. The bill aims to enhance accountability among lawmakers concerning their legislative duties related to budgeting and appropriations, which are critical to government operations and funding for various activities across the federal landscape.

Contention

Discussions around HB 224 are expected to spark debates regarding the appropriateness and implications of penalizing lawmakers by withholding their salaries. Supporters may argue that this measure is a necessary step to curb legislative inaction and instill a stronger sense of urgency about fiscal accountability. However, potential critics might raise concerns about the fairness of such a policy and whether it could lead to unintended consequences, such as members being more susceptible to political pressure or violation of their legislative duties in defense of their compensation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB225

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 FY2024 by April 15, 2023, as required by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Salaries are withheld from April 16, 2023, until the earlier of (1) the day on which the chamber of Congress agrees to a budget resolution, or (2) the last day of the 118th Congress.

US HB135

No Pay Raise for Congress Act This bill cancels the automatic adjustment to the pay of Members of Congress that is based on the employment cost index if the Congressional Budget Office determines that there was a federal budget deficit in the last fiscal year.

US HB13

Budget Process Enhancement Act This bill modifies the federal budget process to withhold the salaries of Members of Congress and cancel the salaries of certain employees of the Office of Management and Budget when certain budget process requirements are not met. The bill also changes the assumptions that the Congressional Budget Office uses to calculate its baseline for discretionary spending to eliminate certain adjustments for inflation and other factors. (A baseline is a projection of federal spending and receipts during a fiscal year under current law.)

US HB111

Budget Process Enhancement Act This bill modifies the federal budget process to withhold the salaries of Members of Congress and cancel the salaries of certain employees of the Office of Management and Budget when certain budget process requirements are not met. The bill also changes the assumptions that the Congressional Budget Office uses to calculate its baseline for discretionary spending to eliminate certain adjustments for inflation and other factors. (A baseline is a projection of federal spending and receipts during a fiscal year under current law.)

US HB113

Budget Process Enhancement Act This bill modifies the federal budget process to withhold the salaries of Members of Congress and cancel the salaries of certain employees of the Office of Management and Budget when certain budget process requirements are not met. The bill also changes the assumptions that the Congressional Budget Office uses to calculate its baseline for discretionary spending to eliminate certain adjustments for inflation and other factors. (A baseline is a projection of federal spending and receipts during a fiscal year under current law.)

US SB2144

A bill to improve the safety and security of Members of Congress, immediate family members of Members of Congress, and congressional staff.

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 HB141

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.

US HB149

Lead by Example Act of 2025This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2027, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).By September 15, 2025, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

US HB518

Troops Before Politicians ActThis bill withholds the pay of Members of Congress if active service members of the Armed Forces are not receiving pay, including as a result of a lapse in appropriations (i.e., a government shutdown). The withheld pay of Members must be deposited into an escrow account and released when the military lapse in pay ends.

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