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H.R. 209

Inaction Has Consequences Act

In Plain Language

This bill withholds pay from members of Congress if their chamber fails to pass all annual spending bills before the fiscal year starts, beginning in 2026. Members get their salaries back once their chamber passes the required bills, or at the end of the congressional term, whichever comes first.

Official Congressional Research Service summary

Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2026. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.

Sponsor

Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]

Cosponsors

Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Latest action

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Jan 3, 2025

Official source

View on Congress.gov ↗

Action history

Jan 3, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

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