BURDEN Act

Summary

Bars Members of Congress from enrolling in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans for any month unless they submit two written certifications each month to the OPM Director: (1) that they performed “community engagement” as defined for certain Medicaid rules, and (2) that they complied with SNAP work requirements as if they were members of a SNAP household. Certifications must begin the month after enactment and are a continuing condition for FEHB coverage. Also establishes a short title and an abbreviation for the law.

• Members of Congress must submit two written certifications to OPM each month to retain FEHB enrollment.
• Required certifications are: proof of monthly "community engagement" and compliance with SNAP work requirements as if in a SNAP household.
• Certifications begin the month after enactment and are a continuing condition for FEHB coverage.
• OPM is the recipient of certifications and is responsible for enforcing the enrollment bar.
• The bill sets a short title and an abbreviation but does not change FEHB benefits or SNAP/Medicaid laws for the public.
• Failure to provide monthly certifications results in ineligibility for FEHB enrollment for that month.
• No appropriations or funding provisions are included for administering the new certification requirement.
• The measure imposes a new, recurring administrative duty on Members of Congress without detailing verification or appeal processes.