H.R.es198 - Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.198 is a resolution providing funding for the expenses of various House of Representatives committees during the 119th Congress. The resolution allocates specific amounts to each committee for both the first and second sessions of Congress. It also establishes a reserve fund for unanticipated expenses and grants the Committee on House Administration the authority to make adjustments as needed.
Expected Effects
This resolution will enable House committees to operate by providing them with the necessary financial resources. The allocated funds will cover staff salaries and other expenses related to committee work. The reserve fund ensures flexibility to address unexpected costs that may arise.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures committees have sufficient resources to conduct oversight and legislative work.
- Provides transparency into committee budgets.
- Allows for adjustments to funding based on changing needs or budget constraints.
- Supports the efficient operation of the House of Representatives.
- Establishes a reserve fund for unanticipated expenses, providing financial flexibility.
Potential Disadvantages
- The allocation of funds may be perceived as favoring certain committees over others.
- The amounts allocated may be insufficient for some committees to fully carry out their responsibilities.
- The resolution does not specify how the funds should be used, which could lead to misuse or inefficiency.
- The adjustment authority granted to the Committee on House Administration could be used to manipulate committee budgets for political purposes.
- The resolution does not address the issue of wasteful spending by committees.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, 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. It also aligns with the implied powers necessary for Congress to carry out its legislative functions, as described in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (the Necessary and Proper Clause). The resolution's provisions for oversight and regulation of committee expenses are consistent with Congress's responsibility to manage its own affairs.
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).