Withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.
Summary
Senate Resolution 526 proposes withholding the pay of Senators during government shutdowns. The resolution defines a government shutdown as a lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to withhold payments to Senators during such periods and release them once the shutdown ends.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this resolution would financially incentivize Senators to avoid government shutdowns. The intended consequence is to promote more responsible budget negotiations and reduce disruptions to government services. The resolution would take effect after the November 2026 general election.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce the likelihood of government shutdowns.
- May encourage more timely budget agreements in Congress.
- Could save taxpayer money by preventing disruptions to government services.
- Potentially increases accountability of Senators to the public.
- May improve public perception of Congress.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be seen as a symbolic gesture with limited practical impact.
- May not be effective in preventing shutdowns if Senators prioritize other political goals.
- Could disproportionately affect Senators with limited personal financial resources.
- Potential for unintended consequences if Senators become overly focused on avoiding personal financial losses.
- May create a perverse incentive to pass budgets without proper scrutiny.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution's constitutionality is complex. Article I, Section 6 states that Senators shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. This resolution could be argued as an alteration of that compensation. However, the Constitution grants Congress broad powers to manage its internal affairs. The withholding of pay is not a permanent removal of compensation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).