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.

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Fitzpatrick

HJRES 7 aims to withhold Congressional pay until both Houses pass a budget resolution, promoting timely fiscal responsibility and reducing government shutdowns.

Introduced in House

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HJRES 7
Title: 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.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: January 03, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Primary Sponsor: Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HJRES 7 is to amend the United States Constitution to establish a direct link between Congressional compensation and the timely passage of the federal budget. The intent is to incentivize Members of Congress to prioritize and expedite the budget resolution process, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability in government spending.

Key Provisions

Compensation Restriction: The proposed amendment stipulates that no Member of Congress shall receive any compensation for their service during a fiscal year unless both the House of Representatives and the Senate have agreed to an identical concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year.

Budget Resolution Requirement: This requirement must be fulfilled prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, ensuring that budgetary agreements are reached in a timely manner.

Impact

Members of Congress: If enacted, this amendment would directly affect the compensation of all Members of Congress, potentially leading to a heightened urgency in budget negotiations.

Federal Budget Process: The amendment aims to streamline the budget process, potentially reducing instances of government shutdowns and ensuring that federal funding is allocated more efficiently.

Constituents and Public Services: By promoting timely budget resolutions, the amendment could positively impact public services and programs that rely on federal funding, ultimately benefiting constituents.

Procedural Aspects

Ratification Process: For this proposed amendment to become part of the Constitution, it must be ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years of its submission for ratification.

Legislative Actions: As of January 3, 2025, HJRES 7 has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Conclusion

HJRES 7 seeks to amend the Constitution to ensure that Members of Congress are financially accountable for their legislative responsibilities, particularly regarding the timely passage of the federal budget. This proposal reflects a significant shift in how Congressional compensation is tied to fiscal governance and aims to enhance the efficiency of the budgetary process.

Bill