H.R. 2519: 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.

This bill aims to provide financial support to Members of Congress who have to travel to the Washington Metropolitan Area to cast votes. Below is a summary of the key points:

Per Diem Allowances

Members of Congress traveling on official business to and from their designated residences to the Washington Metropolitan Area for voting purposes would be entitled to:

• A per diem allowance for lodging.
• A per diem allowance for meals and incidental expenses.

Eligibility

Members residing in the Washington Metropolitan Area would not qualify for these allowances. Furthermore, if they receive payment for similar expenses through other allowances, they would be ineligible for this per diem.

Conditions for Receiving Per Diem

Allowances would be available under specific conditions:

• For lodging, a Member must be present for votes held on a voting day and must vote in person.
• For meals and incidental expenses, allowances can be claimed for the day of lodging, as well as the day before and after if travel occurs on the voting day.

Allowance Amount

The per diem amounts would align with those set by the General Services Administration (GSA) for federal employees.

Regulatory Oversight

Implementation of these allowances would follow regulations outlined by:

• The Committee on House Administration for House Members.
• The Committee on Rules and Administration for Senators.

These regulations would ensure that the allowances are not considered taxable income for the Members of Congress.

Definitions

The bill includes definitions for:

• “Designated residence” for Members of Congress, which is typically where they live in relation to their congressional district or state.
• The “Washington Metropolitan Area,” which includes specific regions in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.

Effective Date

This legislation would take effect for the current Congress (the 119th Congress) and for all future Congresses.

Relevant Companies

None found.