H.R.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)
Summary
H.R. 2519 proposes a per diem allowance for Members of Congress to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred while traveling to and from the Washington Metropolitan Area for voting purposes. The allowance aims to offset costs for members whose designated residences are outside the Washington Metropolitan Area. It specifies conditions for eligibility, including in-person voting records, and defers to GSA rates for allowance amounts.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would provide financial assistance to members of Congress who must travel to Washington D.C. to fulfill their voting duties. This could potentially increase participation in congressional votes, especially for members from distant states. The cost of this bill would be borne by taxpayers.
Potential Benefits
- May encourage more consistent in-person voting attendance by members of Congress.
- Could alleviate financial burdens on members from states far from Washington D.C.
- Standardizes expense coverage using GSA rates, promoting transparency.
- Could improve representation by enabling members to focus on their duties without undue financial strain.
- May attract a broader range of candidates to run for office, regardless of personal wealth.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increases government spending, potentially burdening taxpayers.
- Could be perceived as a perk for members of Congress, leading to public criticism.
- May not significantly impact voting attendance if other factors are at play.
- Creates additional administrative overhead for managing and auditing per diem allowances.
- Could incentivize unnecessary travel to Washington D.C.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows for compensation and allowances for members of Congress. It does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision. However, the appropriateness and necessity of such allowances are subject to public and political debate.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).