Bills · HRES 892
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Res.HRES 892Government Operations and Politics
Authorizing the Speaker of the House of Representatives to initiate or intervene in civil actions on behalf of the House of Representatives regarding section 213 of title II of division C of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
INTRO NOV 19· LAST ACTION NOV 19
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Non-binding
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it addresses a fundamental constitutional principle regarding the compensation of elected officials. The 27th Amendment was ratified to prevent members of Congress from voting themselves immediate pay raises, ensuring that any changes to their salaries are subject to voter approval through an intervening election. If the financial provisions of the 2026 law indeed violate this amendment, allowing it to stand could undermine this safeguard.
By authorizing this lawsuit, the House is asserting its role in upholding constitutional checks and balances and potentially protecting taxpayer money from being used for what it believes are unconstitutional payments. The outcome could clarify the legal boundaries of congressional compensation, influence future budget decisions related to lawmaker salaries, and demonstrate the willingness of one chamber of Congress to challenge the actions of another in court, highlighting inter-branch dynamics.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Authorizes the Speaker of the House to initiate or intervene in federal court cases.
This allows the House to formally challenge a specific law it believes is unconstitutional, giving it legal standing.
PROVISION 02
The lawsuit will argue that Section 213 of a 2026 spending act, which provides financial awards to Senators, violates the 27th Amendment to the Constitution.
This provision directly targets a specific law and a constitutional amendment concerning congressional pay, which is central to the bill's purpose.
PROVISION 03
If the House wins the lawsuit and Section 213 is found unconstitutional, the Speaker can tally all litigation costs and demand reimbursement from the Senate.
This ensures that if the House's legal challenge is successful, the costs incurred in upholding the Constitution could be recovered from the body whose actions were challenged.
PROVISION 04
The House's Office of the General Counsel will represent the House, and they can hire outside lawyers and experts, with the costs reported publicly.
This provision outlines how the legal challenge will be managed and ensures transparency regarding the expenses incurred.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Tennessee
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
15
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSNOV 19
Submitted in House
NOV 19
Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Resolution
NumberHRES 892
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedNov 19, 2025
Last actionNov 19, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION · INTRODUCED NOV 19, 2025
House Res.HRES 892Government Operations and Politics
Authorizing the Speaker of the House of Representatives to initiate or intervene in civil actions on behalf of the House of Representatives regarding section 213 of title II of division C of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
INTRODUCED NOV 19, 2025· LAST ACTION NOV 19, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
