To provide a per diem allowance for Members of Congress for the costs of lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred because of travel to and from the Washington Metropolitan Area in order to cast votes in Congress, and for other purposes.

HR 2519 provides per diem allowances to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for Members of Congress traveling to the Washington Metropolitan Area specifically to vote in Congress. It applies only to members whose designated residence is outside the Washington area (defined as DC, parts of Virginia and Maryland) and who vote in person on days when Congress is in session. The allowance amounts match standard federal employee rates (GSA rates), and it excludes members living in the area or whose expenses are already covered by other allowances like the House’s Representational Allowance. The bill requires House and Senate committees to establish implementation rules while ensuring the payments are not treated as taxable income.