Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.Res. 499
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-06-11: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2025-10-09T03:26:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 499 is a procedural resolution designed to streamline the House of Representatives' consideration of H.R. 4, a bill aimed at rescinding (canceling) specific budget authority that the President proposed to withhold. This proposal stems from special messages sent by the President to Congress on June 3, 2025, under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which regulates how the executive branch handles appropriated funds.

Key Provisions

Fast-Tracking H.R. 4: Upon adoption of the resolution, the House can immediately consider H.R. 4 without standard procedural hurdles. All points of order (objections based on House rules) against the bill's consideration or its provisions are waived. The bill is treated as already read in full.
Debate and Voting Rules: Debate is limited to one hour, split equally between the Majority Leader and Minority Leader (or their designees). After debate, the "previous question" is automatically ordered, meaning the bill moves directly to a vote on passage or amendments without further delays, except for one allowed motion to recommit (send the bill back to committee for changes).
Waiver of Impoundment Act Rules: Section 1017 of the 1974 Impoundment Control Act—which typically requires expedited procedures for Congress to respond to presidential proposals to withhold funds—does not apply to any bill or joint resolution addressing the President's June 3, 2025, special message.
Adoption of Another Resolution: The resolution also adopts House Resolution 492 (content not specified in this document).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend laws directly but modifies House procedures for this specific case. Notably, it suspends section 1017 of the 1974 Act, which normally mandates special rules (like automatic discharge from committee after 25 calendar days) for handling presidential impoundment proposals. This waiver allows Congress to bypass those timelines and requirements, giving the House more flexibility in processing the rescission bill.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Agencies affected by the proposed rescissions (e.g., those with budgeted funds targeted for cancellation) may face immediate funding cuts if H.R. 4 passes, potentially disrupting programs or operations reliant on those appropriations.
On Citizens: Indirect effects could include reduced federal spending on certain initiatives, such as public services or grants, depending on the specifics of the President's proposals (not detailed here). This might limit access to government-funded benefits or projects.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, unless the rescinded funds relate to foreign aid or international programs; the document does not specify.
Broader Congressional Process: Speeds up legislative action, potentially allowing quicker alignment or opposition to the President's budget decisions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congress (House of Representatives): Gains procedural efficiency to debate and vote on budget rescissions without delays.
The President and Executive Branch: Their impoundment proposals are subject to expedited congressional review, influencing executive control over spending.
Federal Agencies and Programs: Entities with funds proposed for rescission face potential budget reductions.
Taxpayers and Advocacy Groups: Those benefiting from or opposing specific federal programs may see changes in funding availability.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces the 1974 Impoundment Control Act's framework, which was enacted to prevent executive overreach in withholding congressionally appropriated funds (a practice struck down by courts in the 1970s). The waiver of section 1017 highlights Congress's ability to customize procedures for particular presidential actions.
Constitutional: Touches on the separation of powers, particularly Article I's grant of spending authority to Congress versus the executive's implementation role. This resolution asserts congressional oversight of the "power of the purse."
Political: As a partisan tool (controlled by House leadership), it could facilitate or block the President's agenda, potentially leading to tensions between branches. Adopting H. Res. 492 may introduce additional procedural or substantive elements, amplifying its influence on floor dynamics.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]

Recent Actions

2025-06-11: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-06-11: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 213 - 207 (Roll no. 165). (text: CR H2639) (Roll call 165)
2025-06-11: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 213 - 207 (Roll no. 165). (text: CR H2639) (Roll call 165)
2025-06-11: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 204 (Roll no. 164). (Roll call 164)
2025-06-11: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 499.
2025-06-11: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H2639-2647)
2025-06-11: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 33.
2025-06-11: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit allowed. Bill is closed to amendments.
2025-06-11: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-152, by Ms. Foxx.
2025-06-11: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-152, by Ms. Foxx.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-06-11 — PDF (2 pages)
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4) to rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on June 3, 2025, in accordance with section 1012(a) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-06-11 — PDF (4 pages)