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.
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.
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034, and for other purposes.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds roll call vote of each chamber. The amendment also requires the President to submit an annual budget in which total outlays for the fiscal year do not exceed total receipts. Congress may waive the requirements for any fiscal year in which (1) a declaration of war is in effect by a roll call vote, or (2) a declaration of a natural disaster or a national emergency is in effect that was declared by a joint resolution that became law after being adopted by a majority of each chamber of Congress.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits total outlays for any fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year.The amendment also prohibits (1) increases to the federal debt limit, and (2) a bill that increases revenue from becoming law unless the bill has been approved by two-thirds of each chamber of Congress with a roll call vote.
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.
A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.