Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.

Bill Number

H.Res. 198

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Last Updated

2026-07-11T21:24:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 198) authorizes funding for the operational expenses of various U.S. House of Representatives committees during the 119th Congress (2025–2027). It sets spending limits from House accounts to cover costs like staff salaries, ensuring committees can perform their legislative, oversight, and investigative duties.

Key Provisions

• Total Funding Allocation (Section 1): Specifies maximum amounts for 21 committees and one select committee for the full two-year Congress. Examples include:
• Committee on Agriculture: $14,903,700
• Committee on Armed Services: $25,977,070
• Committee on Energy and Commerce: $28,800,000 (highest allocation)
• Committee on the Judiciary: $30,250,000 (also high, reflecting broad jurisdiction)
• Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party: $10,250,000
• Full list totals approximately $340 million across all entities.
• First Session Limits (Section 2): Caps spending for the period from January 3, 2025, to January 3, 2026 (roughly half the total for most committees, e.g., Judiciary: $15,000,000).
• Second Session Limits (Section 3): Caps for January 3, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (remaining balance, with slight increases for some, e.g., Judiciary: $15,250,000).
• Payment Process (Section 4): Funds are disbursed via vouchers (official payment requests) authorized by each committee, signed by its chair, and approved by the Committee on House Administration.
• Expenditure Rules (Section 5): All spending must follow guidelines set by the Committee on House Administration.
• Reserve Fund for Unexpected Costs (Section 6): Establishes a $4 million fund ($2 million per session) for unforeseen committee expenses, allocated as needed by the Committee on House Administration.
• Adjustment Powers (Section 7): Allows the Committee on House Administration to tweak allocations to meet federal budget laws (e.g., under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985) or changes in overall appropriations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a routine biennial resolution for a new Congress, replacing similar authorizations from the prior (118th) Congress. It introduces updated funding levels—generally similar to or slightly adjusted from previous cycles—without altering core House rules. No substantive legal changes; it maintains compliance mechanisms like budget sequestration (automatic spending cuts if deficits exceed limits).

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enables House committees to conduct hearings, investigations, and bill drafting on issues like national security (Armed Services), economy (Ways and Means), and foreign policy (Foreign Affairs), indirectly influencing executive branch oversight.
• On Citizens: Supports legislative work affecting public policy areas (e.g., education, veterans' affairs, small business), funded by taxpayer dollars from House accounts. The reserve fund provides flexibility for emerging issues without needing new approvals.
• On International Relations: Funds committees like Foreign Affairs and the China-focused select committee, potentially aiding U.S. diplomacy and strategic responses to global challenges.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• House Committees and Members: Direct beneficiaries, as funding covers staff and operations for policy work.
• Committee Staff: Salaries and resources secured for approximately two years.
• Taxpayers and the Public: Bear the cost through congressional budgeting; ensures efficient use via caps and oversight.
• Committee on House Administration: Oversees implementation, approvals, and adjustments.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: Aligns with Article I of the U.S. Constitution (Congress's power to organize itself and appropriate funds). Reinforces internal House rules on spending without court challenges likely, as it's non-binding on the Senate or executive branch.
• Political: Reflects priorities of the House majority (e.g., higher funding for Judiciary and Oversight amid partisan investigations). The reserve fund adds flexibility for urgent matters, like geopolitical events, but could spark debates on fiscal restraint if totals rise. No partisan bias evident in the text; it's procedural and neutral.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-03-24: On agreeing to the resolution, as amended Agreed to without objection. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1215-1216)
• 2025-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution, as amended Agreed to without objection. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1215-1216)
• 2025-03-24: Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H1215-1216)
• 2025-03-24: Mr. Steil asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table and consider.
• 2025-03-18: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 9.
• 2025-03-18: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-17.
• 2025-03-18: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-17.
• 2025-03-11: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
• 2025-03-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-03-06: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
• 2025-03-06: Submitted in House
• 2025-03-06: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (6 pages)
• Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (5 pages)
• Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (8 pages)