Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.

# Summary of HJRES 128 **What the Bill Would Do** This proposed constitutional amendment would prevent members of Congress from receiving their salaries during a government shutdown. A shutdown would be defined as any period when federal agencies lack funding due to Congress failing to pass regular budget bills or temporary funding measures. If passed, Congress would need to approve this amendment (requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers) and then it would need to be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The amendment directly affects all members of Congress—senators and representatives—by withholding their paychecks whenever a shutdown occurs.

The logic behind the proposal is that it would incentivize lawmakers to reach budget agreements quickly since their own compensation would be at stake. The amendment defines shutdowns specifically as lapses in funding for federal agencies or departments caused by failure to pass required appropriations legislation. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not advanced to a full vote in either the House or Senate. This is a relatively common proposal that periodically resurfaces during periods of budget gridlock, though it has not been adopted in previous congressional sessions.