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HR 2519

To provide a per diem allowance for Members of Congress for the costs of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred because of travel to and from the Washington Metropolitan Area in order to cast votes in Congress, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Rogers

HR 2519 provides a per diem allowance for Congress members traveling to vote, covering lodging, meals, and expenses, ensuring fair compensation for their duties.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 2519

Summary of HR 2519: Per Diem Allowance for Members of Congress

Bill Number: HR 2519
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: Mike Rogers

Purpose and Intent

HR 2519 aims to provide a per diem allowance for Members of Congress to cover costs associated with lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred while traveling to and from their designated residences to the Washington Metropolitan Area for the purpose of casting votes in Congress. This bill seeks to ensure that Members of Congress are adequately compensated for travel-related expenses incurred while fulfilling their legislative duties.

Key Provisions

  1. Eligibility for Per Diem Allowance:

    • Members of Congress are entitled to:
      • A per diem allowance for lodging when traveling to the Washington Metropolitan Area to vote.
      • A per diem allowance for meals and incidental expenses related to that travel.
    • Members residing within the Washington Metropolitan Area are not eligible for this allowance.

  2. Conditions for Allowance:

    • A Member can receive a lodging allowance only if:
      • Votes are held on that day in their respective House.
      • The Member votes in person on each vote held that day.
    • A meal and incidental expenses allowance can be claimed for:
      • The day of lodging.
      • The day before and after the lodging day, provided the Member travels to or from the area on those days.

  3. Amount of Allowance:

    • The per diem allowance will be equivalent to the amount prescribed for federal employees under the General Services Administration regulations.

  4. Regulatory Oversight:

    • The implementation of this allowance will be governed by regulations from:
      • The Committee on House Administration for House Members.
      • The Committee on Rules and Administration for Senators.
    • These regulations will align with existing guidelines for travel reimbursements and ensure that allowances are not treated as taxable income.

  5. Definition of Terms:

    • The bill defines "designated residence" for Members of Congress based on their congressional district or state.
    • The "Washington Metropolitan Area" includes specific jurisdictions in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • All Members of Congress, including Delegates and Resident Commissioners, who travel from their designated residences to the Washington Metropolitan Area for voting purposes.

  • Financial Implications:

    • The bill does not specify the total cost but establishes a framework for per diem allowances that could affect the overall budget for congressional travel expenses.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was referred to the House Committee on House Administration on the same day it was introduced.
  • It is applicable to the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress and each succeeding Congress.

This bill represents an effort to standardize and support the travel expenses of Members of Congress, ensuring they can effectively participate in legislative activities without financial burden related to travel.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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