The proposed amendment would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during any period when a federal government shutdown is in effect. A shutdown is defined as a lapse in appropriations for any agency or department caused by the failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution. The amendment would require that Congress enforce this prohibition through appropriate legislation. By tying congressional pay to the functioning of the federal budget, the amendment seeks to increase accountability and discourage political brinkmanship that leads to shutdowns. If ratified, the amendment would become part of the Constitution, requiring a three‑fourths majority of state legislatures within seven years for adoption.