Earmark Elimination Act of 2026
Summary
The Earmark Elimination Act of 2026 aims to prohibit the House of Representatives from considering legislation that contains congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits. The bill outlines procedures for raising points of order against such provisions and defines the terms 'congressional earmark,' 'limited tax benefit,' and 'limited tariff benefit.' The Act seeks to amend Rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives by striking clause 9.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would make it more difficult for legislators to include targeted spending or tax breaks in legislation. This could lead to a more transparent and potentially more efficient allocation of federal resources. However, it could also reduce the ability of legislators to address specific local needs or incentivize certain activities through targeted tax benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in government spending.
- Potentially more efficient allocation of resources.
- Reduced opportunities for special interest influence.
- May lead to a more level playing field for businesses.
- Could decrease the national debt by limiting unnecessary spending.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced ability to address specific local needs.
- May hinder the ability to incentivize certain activities through targeted tax benefits.
- Could lead to less responsiveness to constituent concerns.
- Potential for decreased flexibility in responding to unforeseen circumstances.
- May shift power away from individual members of Congress and towards leadership.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on procedural rules within the House of Representatives aligns with the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 5, which states that "Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings." The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It is designed to regulate the internal processes of the House, which falls within its constitutional authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).