Committee on House Administration, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill establishes a mechanism to reduce the annual compensation of Members of Congress during periods of government shutdown. A government shutdown is defined as a lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. For each 24-hour period a shutdown is in effect, a Member's pay will be affected, with specific payroll administrators responsible for implementing these provisions. Initially, from the bill's enactment until the general election in November 2026, affected pay will be withheld and placed into an escrow account . These funds will be released to Members on the pay reduction effective date to ensure compliance with the 27th Amendment, which prohibits varying congressional compensation during a term. After the November 2026 election, the bill mandates a direct reduction in the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress for the duration of any government shutdown.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 10 - 0.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 10 - 0.
Economics and Public Finance
Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act
USA119th CongressHR-5891| House
| Updated: 3/18/2026
This bill establishes a mechanism to reduce the annual compensation of Members of Congress during periods of government shutdown. A government shutdown is defined as a lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. For each 24-hour period a shutdown is in effect, a Member's pay will be affected, with specific payroll administrators responsible for implementing these provisions. Initially, from the bill's enactment until the general election in November 2026, affected pay will be withheld and placed into an escrow account . These funds will be released to Members on the pay reduction effective date to ensure compliance with the 27th Amendment, which prohibits varying congressional compensation during a term. After the November 2026 election, the bill mandates a direct reduction in the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress for the duration of any government shutdown.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 10 - 0.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 10 - 0.