H.R. 2624: Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination Act

This bill, officially titled the "Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination Act" (or "HUMBLE Act"), proposes several changes to the rules regarding the conduct of Members of Congress and former Members. Here’s a summary of what the bill entails:

1. Lobbying Prohibition for Former Members

The bill aims to prevent former Members of Congress and elected officers from lobbying Congress after they leave office. If they engage in attempts to influence legislative actions or communications with current Congress members or staff, they could face legal penalties.

2. Restrictions on Travel Expenses

Members of Congress and legislative branch employees would be prohibited from using government funds for airline tickets that are not coach-class. This rule applies except in limited conditions, which align with existing regulations for federal employees. The intent is to reduce costs associated with travel for government officials.

3. Limitations on Benefits for Former Members of the House

The bill stipulates that former Members of the House of Representatives will no longer have access to certain legislative benefits, including:

• Access to the Hall of the House
• Access to athletic and other facilities meant for current Members
• Access to the Members' Dining Room in the Capitol
• Designated parking spaces
• Access to materials from the House document room
• Use of collections in the House Legislative Resource Center without borrowing privileges

However, waivers can be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Speaker and the minority leader, which must be published in the Congressional Record.

4. Stock Ownership Ban

The bill would prohibit Members of the House of Representatives from owning individual stocks in any corporation. This measure is intended to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in financial dealings.

5. Elimination of Automatic Pay Adjustments

It proposes to eliminate the automatic adjustments to the pay of Members of Congress, making it so that any changes in compensation would not happen without explicit legislative action. This seeks to enhance accountability regarding congressional salaries.

6. Restrictions on Board Membership in For-Profit Entities

Members of the House would be barred from serving on the boards of directors of for-profit companies. This change aims to prevent conflicts of interest that could arise from financial ties to private sector entities.

7. Effective Dates

Various sections of this bill are set to take effect at different times, with some provisions applying to Members who leave office after the bill's enactment and others concerning pay adjustments being applicable beginning after the first general election for federal office following the enactment.

Relevant Companies

None found.