Bills · HJRES 128
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Joint Res.HJRES 128Congress
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.
INTRO SEP 30· LAST ACTION SEP 30
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
20
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because government shutdowns have become a recurring issue, disrupting federal services and causing financial hardship for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors. Currently, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries during these shutdowns, which some argue removes a personal incentive to find a resolution quickly.
If this amendment becomes law, it would directly link the financial well-being of Congress members to their ability to fund the government. This could lead to fewer or shorter shutdowns, ensuring more stable government operations and preventing disruptions to vital services and the paychecks of federal employees. If it doesn't pass, the current system remains, where Congress members are not financially penalized during shutdowns.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits Representatives and Senators from receiving compensation during a government shutdown.
This directly links congressional pay to the occurrence of a shutdown, creating a financial incentive to avoid them.
PROVISION 02
Defines a government shutdown as a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency due to failure to pass a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution.
Provides a clear and specific definition of what triggers the cessation of congressional pay.
PROVISION 03
Requires the amendment to be proposed by two-thirds of both the House and Senate and ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years.
Outlines the rigorous constitutional process required for this change to take effect, highlighting its significance.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 20
R· South Carolina
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
22
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 20 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 30
Introduced in House
SEP 30
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Joint Resolution
NumberHJRES 128
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 30, 2025
Last actionSep 30, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 30, 2025
House Joint Res.HJRES 128Congress
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.
INTRODUCED SEP 30, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 30, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
1 min
COSPONSORS
20
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
