No Budget, No Pay Act

# No Budget, No Pay Act – Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would withhold pay from members of Congress until they complete two key tasks: approve a budget resolution and pass all regular appropriations bills for the fiscal year. If Congress fails to finish these duties by the deadline, representatives and senators would not receive their salaries during that period. Importantly, the bill also prohibits retroactive (back) pay—meaning members wouldn't be compensated for the time they went unpaid. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill directly affects all current and future members of Congress, as it ties their paychecks to completing budget work.

The measure wouldn't take effect until September 29, 2027, giving Congress several years before it applies. The intent is to create financial incentive for lawmakers to pass budgets and appropriations bills on time, addressing a long-standing issue where Congress often misses budget deadlines. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S 88, 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. Similar "no budget, no pay" proposals have been introduced in previous congressional sessions with varying levels of support.