This bill would reduce the pay of members of Congress whenever a government shutdown occurs. Specifically, members would lose one day's worth of salary for each full day the shutdown lasts during their pay period. The legislation applies to all members of the House and Senate. However, the bill includes a timeline distinction: before the November 2026 election, withheld pay would be held in escrow accounts and returned to members at the end of the current Congress, protecting members from potential constitutional issues with reducing compensation. Starting after the November 2026 election, withheld pay would not be returned and members would permanently lose those earnings for any shutdown days. The Treasury Department would assist in administering the pay withholding process.
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