H.R.es178 - Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Resolution (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.178, also known as the "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Resolution," proposes to reduce the Members' Representational Allowance (MRA) for each House member by $100,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, relative to the allowance for fiscal year 2025. The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 3, 2025, and referred to the Committee on House Administration.
The MRA is used by members to fund official expenses related to their duties. This resolution aims to reduce government spending by decreasing the funds available to each member for these expenses.
The resolution is presented as a cost-saving measure, potentially encouraging fiscal responsibility among members of the House.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.Res.178 would decrease the amount of money available to each member of the House of Representatives for their representational allowance by $100,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
This could lead to changes in how members allocate resources for staff, office expenses, and constituent outreach. The practical impact would depend on how each member chooses to adjust their spending in response to the reduced allowance.
It could also signal a broader effort to reduce government spending.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings for taxpayers due to reduced government spending.
- May encourage more efficient use of resources by House members.
- Could lead to a reduction in wasteful spending.
- Symbolic gesture of fiscal responsibility, potentially increasing public trust.
- Could incentivize members to prioritize essential services and programs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May limit the ability of House members to adequately serve their constituents due to reduced resources.
- Could lead to staff reductions or salary freezes, impacting employment.
- May disproportionately affect members from districts with higher operating costs.
- Could hinder effective communication and outreach to constituents.
- Potential for reduced effectiveness in legislative activities due to limited resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution appears to align with the US Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. Reducing the Members' Representational Allowance could be seen as an exercise of this power to manage government finances.
Furthermore, Article I, Section 6, addresses the compensation of Senators and Representatives, stating that they shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. While this resolution doesn't directly alter the compensation of members, it affects the resources available to them for carrying out their duties.
There are no apparent conflicts with the Constitution.
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).