The imposition of fines would likely impact the dynamics within Congress, where members will have a vested financial interest in preventing shutdowns. The implementation procedures for these fines will involve the Sergeant-at-Arms in each house, thereby introducing additional administrative responsibilities. Should these fines not be paid within 30 days, the outstanding amounts must be deducted from the member's salaries, reinforcing the seriousness of their obligations. This legislation could change the perceptions of accountability among lawmakers and possibly their decision-making processes during budget negotiations.
Summary
House Bill 5772, titled the 'No Work, No Pay Act', seeks to impose financial penalties on members of Congress in the event of a government shutdown. The proposal mandates that if a shutdown occurs, fines equivalent to one day's pay for each day of the shutdown will be levied against legislators. The aim is to hold members accountable for the failure to pass appropriations and to incentivize timely legislative actions to avert shutdowns. This bill represents a potential shift in how the public can view and engage with congressional responsibilities concerning budgetary matters.
Contention
Notably, there could be significant contention surrounding this bill. Critics may argue that fines do not effectively address the underlying issues that lead to government shutdowns, such as partisan politics and budget disagreements. Moreover, opponents could express concerns regarding the practicality of enforcing these fines and their implications for legislative independence. Questions may also arise about whether personal financial penalties can actually enhance the functioning of Congress or merely serve as a symbolic gesture without substantive impacts on legislative theory and behavior.
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.
Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.
Removal of the Highway Plan and Building Restriction Line from Lot 9 in Square 5914 along the West Side of Congress Street, S.E., S.O. 22-01642, Act of 2024
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
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.