Federal Workers Prepare for Changes Under New House Rules Package
At the start of each new Congress, the House of Representatives must pass a rules package governing how the chamber will operate. This Congress’s rules package includes concessions that helped Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) secure the House speakership after 15 floor votes and will have implications for federal workers.
The rules package (H. Res 5) passed 220-213 Monday, with one Republican joining Democrats in voting against the measure. The final package includes wide-ranging changes regarding everything from the budget process to committee hearings to rules governing the federal workforce.
Holman Rule
It includes a reinstatement of the Holman Rule, a 19th century provision that can be used to target federal employees and agency programs. The rule “allows amendments to appropriations legislation that would reduce the salary of or fire specific federal employees, or cut a specific program.”
After sitting dormant for three decades, Republicans revived it in 2017 but it was eliminated when Democrats took control of the House in 2019. Republicans unsuccessfully tried to use it twice when it was last in effect.
Budgeting
the rules package replaces “pay-as-you-go” with “cut-as-you-go.” It will require mandatory spending programs to be offset and not add to the federal deficit, but would make it easier to enact tax cuts, even if they increase the deficit.
The rules also require a three-fifths supermajority in the House, for any legislation that would raise taxes.
Speaker McCarthy also agreed to separate spending bills in lieu of a massive omnibus spending bill, like the $1.7 trillion one that was passed last month. Spending will also be capped at levels from two years ago.
The rules package requires the House to vote directly on any proposal to raise or suspend the debt limit, doing away with the so-called “Gephardt Rule,” named after former House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt. In the past, the House would automatically approve the debt-limit increase after passing an outline of the annual budget.
COVID-19 Protocols
The new rules also largely end COVID-19 protocols affecting how the House has conducted business during the pandemic. Proxy voting on the floor is being eliminated, and committees are largely barred from conducting business remotely, with some exceptions for witnesses.
Legislative Process
Lawmakers will also be required to receive the text of a bill 72 hours before a vote. And it includes a provision that legislation must address a “single-subject” in a bid to stop sprawling legislation that cobbles together unrelated measures.
Workforce Accountability
To exercise authority on accountability, Republicans are requiring every committee to submit a plan for authorization and oversight to the Oversight and House Administration Committees by March 1. The Appropriations, Ethics and Rules Committees are exempt from that requirement.