Full Breakdown
Proposal to Dock Congressional Pay During Government Shutdowns
10/3/2025, 10:08:15 PM
Overview of the Proposal
In response to the recent government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, Representative Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina, has reintroduced a constitutional amendment aimed at docking the pay of federal lawmakers during such shutdowns. The proposal stipulates that members of Congress would not receive any compensation during periods of government funding lapses, nor would they receive back pay once the government reopens. Norman emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "If Congress fails to meet that obligation, we should not expect taxpayers to continue paying us for inaction."
Legislative Context and Support
The government shutdown occurred after Congress failed to agree on a funding resolution, leading to the furlough of approximately 750,000 federal employees. During this time, lawmakers continue to receive their salaries, a situation that has drawn criticism. Norman's amendment has garnered support from several Republican colleagues, including Representatives Bob Latta, Jack Bergman, Eli Crane, Cory Mills, Dusty Johnson, and John Joyce. Latta has also co-sponsored a separate bill, the No Budget, No Pay Act, which seeks to prevent lawmakers from receiving pay during shutdowns.
Historical Precedents and Challenges
This is not the first time lawmakers have attempted to address the issue of congressional pay during shutdowns. Previous efforts, such as the No Budget, No Pay Act introduced by Democrat Jim Cooper in 2012, have failed to gain traction. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures, making Norman's proposal a challenging endeavor.
Criticism and Opposition
While some lawmakers support the idea of withholding congressional pay, others express skepticism about its feasibility. Political analysts, such as Thomas Whalen from Boston University, have remarked that the proposal has little chance of success. Additionally, the 27th Amendment complicates immediate changes to congressional compensation, as it mandates that any alterations take effect only after the next election.
Official Statements and Responses
Several lawmakers have publicly stated their intention to forgo their pay during the shutdown. Democratic Senator Andy Kim and Republican Congresswoman Kat Cammack have both announced their refusal to accept paychecks until the government reopens. Cammack stated, "If our military isn't being paid, neither should Members of Congress." Similarly, Pennsylvania Representatives Dan Meuser and Lloyd Smucker have expressed that they will not accept pay during the shutdown, emphasizing the need for congressional accountability.
What's Next
As the government shutdown continues, lawmakers are expected to convene to discuss potential resolutions. The ongoing impasse highlights the broader implications of government shutdowns, which not only affect federal employees but also have significant economic costs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that previous shutdowns have resulted in billions of dollars in lost economic output and administrative expenses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “During shutdowns, federal workers are told to ‘do more with less.’ Meanwhile, Congress still cashes paychecks. That’s wrong.” — Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C.
- “If Congress can’t accomplish its most basic responsibility of funding the government, lawmakers shouldn’t be paid,” — Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio
- “ Democratic Senator Andy Kim said in a statement Tuesday: "It’s wrong that the President and Members of Congress get paid during a government shutdown when our military and public servants don’t.” — Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J.
