Chairman Bryan Steil delivered opening remarks on March 18 at the Full Committee Markup of the House Administration Committee, where members considered several legislative measures.
The session addressed two main bills: H.R. 5891, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, and H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act. Steil said these bills aim to increase transparency for the public and establish a new Smithsonian museum location. He also noted that work continues on the Legislative Branch Agency reform bill in consultation with Ranking Member Joe Morelle.
"Today, the Committee on House Administration will consider two separate pieces of legislation," Steil said. "These bills will increase transparency with the American people, establish a location for a new Smithsonian museum, and, in consultation with my colleague the Ranking Member, we'll be pulling off the Legislative Branch Agency reform, but we're working to remedy that and come back with, what I think will be a great piece of legislation that will address some of those concerns." He explained that H.R. 5891 would prohibit Members from collecting pay during lapses in appropriations and referenced recent government shutdowns affecting federal employees' compensation.
Steil continued: "This bill ensures no Members collect a paycheck while hardworking federal employees are being forced to work without pay." On H.R. 1329, he said it would allow construction of a future museum honoring American women during the nation's 250th anniversary. Regarding H.R. 6028—the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act—Steil said it was being withdrawn temporarily for further amendments in collaboration with Morelle.
The House Administration Committee is responsible for oversight of House operations, federal elections, and Capitol security according to its official website. The committee also forms part of joint committees on Library and Printing as reported by its official website and serves as a standing committee focused on administrative matters according to its official website. It has played key roles in enhancing Capitol security after events such as September 11 and January 6 according to its official website, as well as passing significant legislation like the Help America Vote Act in 2002 which allocated over $3 billion for voting system improvements according to its official website.
Steil concluded his remarks by thanking colleagues for their engagement across party lines: "I thank my colleagues for being here today, appreciate their engagement in all of these important pieces of legislation on both sides of the aisle and I look forward to discussing the legislation further."
