PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 322, H.R. 1541 is laid on the table.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 12, 2013
Common Sense in Compensation Act - Prohibits any discretionary monetary payment to an employee of a federal executive agency during the period beginning on the enactment of this Act and the close of FY2013, or during FY2014 or FY2015, to the extent that such payment would cause the employee's total covered compensation (i.e., basic pay and discretionary monetary payment) to exceed 105% of the total amount of such employees basic pay (before the application of any step-increase). Defines "discretionary monetary payment" as any award or other monetary payment and any step-increase.
People & committees
Rep. Meadows, Mark [R-NC-11] · R–NC
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 322, H.R. 1541 is laid on the table.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1541.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5202-5207; text of measure as reported in House: CR H5202-5203)
Mr. Meadows moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1921)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1541 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1541 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1541 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1541 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.