Inaction Has Consequences Act

# Inaction Has Consequences Act - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would withhold the salaries of members of Congress in any chamber that fails to pass all required annual budget bills before the new fiscal year begins (October 1). Members would receive their paychecks once their chamber passes all the appropriations bills, or at the end of their two-year term in Congress—whichever comes first. The policy would take effect starting with fiscal year 2026. **Who it affects:** The bill directly impacts members of the House and Senate.

Indirectly, it could influence how quickly Congress handles its budget responsibilities and potentially affect federal employees and agencies whose funding depends on timely appropriations passage. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill's stated goal is to incentivize Congress to complete its annual appropriations process on schedule, rather than relying on temporary funding measures (continuing resolutions) when budgets aren't finalized on time.