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.

# Summary of HJRES 129 **What the Bill Would Do** This proposed constitutional amendment would prevent members of Congress from being paid during government shutdowns. A shutdown would be defined as any period when federal agencies lack funding due to Congress failing to pass regular budget bills or temporary spending measures. If passed, Congress would need to approve this amendment (requiring two-thirds majorities in both chambers) and then it would need ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures before becoming law. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The amendment would directly impact all members of Congress—both senators and representatives.

The goal, according to supporters, is to incentivize lawmakers to reach budget agreements quickly rather than allowing shutdowns to continue, since their own paychecks would be on the line. The amendment specifically ties loss of pay to any lapse in appropriations for federal agencies or departments. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) in the 119th Congress and remains in committee. Since constitutional amendments face a very high bar for passage, this proposal would need significant support in both chambers and then approval from most states before it could take effect—a lengthy process that rarely succeeds for proposed amendments.