Troops Before Politicians Act

2/14/2025, 4:23 AM
Congress
119

Number
HR - 518

Introduced on
2025-01-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
Nick LaLota

Variations and Revisions

1/16/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Troops Before Politicians Act

This bill withholds the pay of Members of Congress if active service members of the Armed Forces are not receiving pay, including as a result of a lapse in appropriations (i.e., a government shutdown). The withheld pay of Members must be deposited into an escrow account and released when the military lapse in pay ends.

Bill 119 HR 518, also known as the "Withhold Congressional Pay Act," aims to prevent Members of Congress from receiving their pay in certain circumstances. The bill specifies that if Congress fails to pass a budget resolution or appropriations bills by the start of the fiscal year, then the pay of Members of Congress will be withheld until such legislation is enacted.

The bill also includes provisions for withholding pay if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling or if there is a government shutdown. In these cases, Members of Congress would not receive their pay until the issue is resolved.

Additionally, the bill prohibits Members of Congress from receiving pay during a period of time in which they are under investigation for certain criminal offenses, such as bribery or fraud. Overall, the purpose of Bill 119 HR 518 is to hold Members of Congress accountable for their actions and ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities in a timely manner. It aims to incentivize Congress to act in the best interest of the American people and avoid situations that could harm the functioning of the government.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo withhold the pay of Members of Congress in certain cases, and for other purposes.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/11/2025

Troops Before Politicians Act

This bill withholds the pay of Members of Congress if active service members of the Armed Forces are not receiving pay, including as a result of a lapse in appropriations (i.e., a government shu...


Latest Action1/16/2025
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.