S.86 - To repeal the provision of law that provides automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.86 aims to repeal the automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress by amending the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. The bill specifically targets Section 601(a) of the Act, which currently provides for these automatic adjustments. The proposed changes would eliminate the automatic increases and require any future pay adjustments to be explicitly provided by law.
This bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Scott of Florida and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The repeal would take effect when the 120th Congress convenes.
The bill seeks to remove the existing mechanism for automatic pay raises for members of congress.
Expected Effects
If enacted, S.86 would stop automatic pay increases for members of Congress. Future congressional pay adjustments would require explicit legislative action.
This could lead to more public scrutiny and debate over congressional salaries. It could also influence the attractiveness of serving in Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to greater fiscal responsibility by preventing automatic increases in congressional pay.
- May increase public trust by demonstrating a commitment to controlling government spending.
- Could encourage more careful consideration of congressional salaries by requiring explicit legislative action.
- May reduce the perception of self-dealing among members of Congress.
- Could free up funds for other government programs or reduce the deficit.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May make it more difficult to attract qualified individuals to serve in Congress if salaries are not competitive.
- Could lead to more frequent and contentious debates over congressional pay, potentially distracting from other important issues.
- May create a disincentive for members of Congress to address important issues if they fear political repercussions related to their salaries.
- Could lead to a decline in the overall quality of representation if qualified individuals are deterred from running for office.
- May not result in significant cost savings, as congressional salaries represent a small portion of the overall federal budget.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution as it pertains to the legislative powers vested in Congress (Article I, Section 1). The Constitution grants Congress the power to determine the compensation of its members. Repealing automatic pay adjustments and requiring explicit legislative action for future adjustments falls within this constitutional authority.
Furthermore, the bill does not infringe upon any specific rights or liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights or other constitutional amendments. It is a matter of internal governance and compensation within the legislative branch.
Therefore, the bill appears to be constitutionally sound.
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).