A resolution reducing the annual rate of pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs during a year.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 493

119th Congress

A resolution reducing the annual rate of pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs during a year.

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Kennedy

R - LA

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Congress

Summary

This resolution would dock Senators' pay during government shutdowns. For each day of a shutdown, Senators would lose one day's worth of salary. Until the 2026 election, withheld pay would be held in escrow and released at the end of the Congress to comply with the 27th Amendment.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S8133-8134)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution would dock Senators' pay during government shutdowns. For each day of a shutdown, Senators would lose one day's worth of salary. Until the 2026 election, withheld pay would be held in escrow and released at the end of the Congress to comply with the 27th Amendment.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Reduces Senator pay by one day for each day of government shutdown
Pay withheld before 2026 election is held in escrow then released
Full pay reduction takes effect after November 2026 election
Designed to comply with 27th Amendment salary restrictions
Creates financial incentive for Senators to prevent shutdowns

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Senators would face direct financial consequences for failing to pass appropriations bills on time. The escrow mechanism addresses constitutional concerns about changing current lawmakers' pay. This could create additional pressure to avoid government shutdowns.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Congress

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

493, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution reducing the annual rate of pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs during a year.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-493