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.

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 128

119th Congress

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.

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 30, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ralph Norman

R - SC

Cosponsors

20

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Congress

Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting Members of Congress from receiving compensation during any government shutdown. A shutdown would be defined as any lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department resulting from failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution. This is a companion bill to H.J.Res 129.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting Members of Congress from receiving compensation during any government shutdown. A shutdown would be defined as any lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department resulting from failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution. This is a companion bill to H.J.Res 129.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a government shutdown is in effect. Under the amendment, a government shutdown is considered to be in effect if there is a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Proposes a constitutional amendment to stop congressional pay during government shutdowns
Defines government shutdown as any lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department
Would require ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years
Co-sponsored by Representatives Latta, Bergman, Crane, Mills, Joyce of Pennsylvania, and Johnson of South Dakota
Grants Congress power to enforce the amendment through appropriate legislation

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This amendment would directly affect all 535 Members of Congress by withholding their salaries during government shutdowns. It aims to create a financial incentive for legislators to pass appropriations bills on time. Taxpayers would benefit from reduced congressional pay during funding lapses. The amendment requires the high bar of constitutional ratification to take effect.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Congress

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

128, 119th Congress (2025). "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.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hjres-128