A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 526

119th Congress

A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 296.

Introduced:Dec 17, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Kennedy

R - LA

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Congress

Summary

This Senate resolution requires the Secretary of the Senate to withhold Senators' pay during any government shutdown, releasing the funds only after the shutdown ends. It takes effect after the November 2026 election, meaning current Senators would face the consequence only after being re-elected or replaced.

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 296.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This Senate resolution requires the Secretary of the Senate to withhold Senators' pay during any government shutdown, releasing the funds only after the shutdown ends. It takes effect after the November 2026 election, meaning current Senators would face the consequence only after being re-elected or replaced.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Secretary of Senate must withhold Senator pay during any appropriations lapse
Withheld pay released as soon as practicable after shutdown ends
Takes effect after November 2026 general election
Reported without amendment by Rules and Administration Committee
Does not reduce pay permanently - only delays payment
Applies to all Senators regardless of party

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution directly affects all 100 U.S. Senators by creating a personal financial incentive to avoid government shutdowns. The delayed effective date (after 2026 election) allows current Senators to face the consequence only if re-elected. Senate staff would not be affected (only Senators). The measure is largely symbolic since it only delays rather than forfeits pay, but it creates political pressure on Senators to reach budget agreements.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Congress

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

526, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-526