Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The BURDEN Act requires Members of Congress to certify monthly that they meet the same work requirements imposed on Medicaid and food stamp (SNAP) recipients as a condition of receiving federal health insurance benefits. Specifically, lawmakers would need to demonstrate "community engagement" under Medicaid standards and comply with SNAP work requirements, submitting written certifications to the Office of Personnel Management each month. The bill effectively applies welfare work rules to Congress members themselves, preventing them from enrolling in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program unless they comply. The legislation takes effect upon enactment and applies on an ongoing monthly basis with no specified end date. This bill is a political statement intended to highlight the work requirements Congress imposes on lower-income Americans by subjecting elected officials to identical standards.
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