Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3838) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3486) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for individuals who illegally enter and reenter th…
Summary
H.Res. 682 is a resolution providing for the consideration of two bills: H.R. 3838, which authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities, military construction, and defense activities of the Department of Energy, and H.R. 3486, which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for illegal entry and reentry into the United States.
The resolution outlines the procedures for debating and amending both bills. It sets time limits for general debate, specifies which amendments will be in order, and waives certain points of order against the bills and amendments.
The resolution also dictates the process for final passage, including the consideration of a motion to recommit.
Expected Effects
The resolution will expedite the consideration of H.R. 3838 and H.R. 3486 by setting the terms of debate and amendment. This will likely lead to quicker decisions on military spending and immigration penalties.
The specified rules aim to streamline the legislative process. This could limit opportunities for extensive debate or amendments from the floor.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined Legislative Process: The resolution expedites the consideration of two significant bills.
- Focused Debate: Time limits on debate ensure efficient use of legislative time.
- Defined Amendment Process: Clear rules on which amendments are in order provide predictability.
- Waiver of Points of Order: This prevents procedural delays and keeps the legislative process moving forward.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Debate: Time limits on debate may restrict thorough discussion of complex issues.
- Restricted Amendments: The resolution limits which amendments can be offered, potentially excluding important perspectives.
- Reduced Deliberation: Expedited procedures may lead to less careful consideration of the bills' impacts.
- Potential for Overreach: Waiver of points of order could allow for provisions that might otherwise be challenged.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution itself is a procedural matter within the powers of the House of Representatives, as outlined in Article I, Section 5, which grants each house the power to determine the rules of its proceedings. The underlying bills, H.R. 3838 and H.R. 3486, must also be assessed for their individual constitutional alignment.
H.R. 3838, concerning military appropriations, falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8). H.R. 3486, amending immigration law, falls under Congress's power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization (Article I, Section 8).
However, the specific provisions of each bill must be examined to ensure they do not infringe on individual rights or exceed constitutional limits.
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).