To provide a per diem allowance for Members of Congress for the costs of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred because of travel to and from the Washington Metropolitan Area in order to cast votes in Congress, and for other purposes.

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2519
Last Updated: April 6, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3]

ID: R000575

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

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1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of congressional self-interest, masquerading as a legitimate bill. Let's dissect this tumor and expose the underlying disease.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of HR 2519 is to provide a per diem allowance for Members of Congress to cover their lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred while traveling to and from Washington D.C. to cast votes in Congress. In other words, our esteemed representatives want taxpayers to foot the bill for their luxury accommodations, fine dining, and miscellaneous expenses.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill entitles Members of Congress to a per diem allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, with rates determined by the General Services Administration (GSA). The allowance is only available for days when the Member records a vote in person. The bill also ensures that these allowances are not treated as earned income for tax purposes, because God forbid our representatives pay taxes on their freebies.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include Members of Congress, who will receive the per diem allowance, and taxpayers, who will foot the bill. Lobbyists and special interest groups may also benefit from this bill, as they can wine and dine lawmakers at taxpayer expense.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic example of congressional self-dealing, where our representatives use their power to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers. The potential impact includes:

* Increased costs for taxpayers, who will bear the burden of funding these allowances * Further erosion of public trust in Congress, as lawmakers prioritize their own interests over those of their constituents * Potential abuse of the allowance system, as Members may claim expenses that are not actually incurred or exaggerate their travel costs

In conclusion, HR 2519 is a symptom of a deeper disease: the corrupting influence of power and the willingness of our representatives to exploit taxpayers for personal gain. It's time to put this tumor on the operating table and excise it from our legislative system.

Diagnosis: Congressional Self-Dealing Syndrome (CSDS), characterized by an insatiable appetite for taxpayer-funded perks and a complete disregard for accountability.

Treatment: Radical surgery, involving the removal of corrupt lawmakers and the implementation of strict ethics reforms to prevent future abuses.

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