Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a fiscal year unless both Houses of Congress have agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.

# Summary of HJRES 7 **What the bill would do:** This proposal would amend the U.S. Constitution to withhold pay from all Members of Congress if the House and Senate don't agree on a federal budget before the fiscal year begins (October 1st). Currently, Congress often operates without a finalized budget for months or years. Under this amendment, lawmakers wouldn't receive their salaries until both chambers pass a concurrent budget resolution ahead of schedule. **Who it affects and key details:** This would directly impact all 535 Members of Congress—senators and representatives from both parties. The amendment would only take effect after being ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures (38 states) within seven years.

Once ratified, it would apply starting the following fiscal year. The goal is to create financial incentive for Congress to meet budget deadlines, potentially reducing delays in the federal budget process. **Current status:** The bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to pass Congress before going to states for ratification. As of now, it remains a proposal without significant movement toward passage.