Bills · HR 2519
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2519Congress
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.
INTRO MAR 31· LAST ACTION MAR 31
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it affects how their elected representatives are compensated for official duties. It addresses the practical costs Members of Congress face when traveling to perform a core responsibility: casting votes. Currently, the way these expenses are handled can be complex, potentially requiring Members to pay out of pocket or rely on allowances that may have tax implications.
If this bill becomes law, it would standardize a non-taxable reimbursement for these specific travel costs, potentially making it more financially feasible for individuals from diverse economic backgrounds to serve in Congress, especially those representing districts far from D.C. If it doesn't pass, the current system of covering these expenses, which may vary and could be subject to taxes, would continue. This could influence who is able to serve and how they manage the financial demands of their role.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a daily allowance (per diem) for Members of Congress to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred while traveling to and from Washington D.C. to cast votes.
This provides a specific, standardized mechanism for reimbursing essential travel costs directly tied to a core legislative duty.
PROVISION 02
The per diem is only for Members whose designated home is outside the Washington Metropolitan Area and only for days votes are cast, plus necessary travel days.
This provision targets the specific financial burden on Members who must travel long distances to D.C. for their legislative duties.
PROVISION 03
Directs Congressional committees to issue regulations ensuring these allowances are not treated as taxable income.
This ensures the reimbursement for official expenses does not inadvertently become a taxable benefit, differentiating it from personal income.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that the amount of the allowance will be based on standard federal employee per diem rates set by the General Services Administration (GSA).
This links the allowance amount to existing, publicly established federal rates, promoting transparency and consistency.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Alabama
YRS IN OFFICE
23
BILLS LED
12
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 31
Introduced in House
MAR 31
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2519
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 31, 2025
Last actionMar 31, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION · INTRODUCED MAR 31, 2025
House BillHR 2519Congress
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.
INTRODUCED MAR 31, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 31, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
