Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ralph Norman has reintroduced a constitutional amendment that would bar Members of Congress from receiving any compensation during a government shutdown.

For decades, Congress has failed to pass its appropriations bills by the September 30 deadline, triggering repeated shutdowns. Yet during these shutdowns, Members of Congress continue to receive pay, while service members, federal workers, and essential employees suffer.

Under the amendment, if Congress allows the government to shut down, disrupting critical services, then all Members would forfeit their pay, without later backpay. This reform holds leadership accountable and gives added urgency to funding responsibly.

“Members of Congress have a constitutional duty to fund the government’s essential functions,” said Congressman Norman. “If Congress fails to meet that obligation, we should not expect taxpayers to continue paying us for inaction. No one else in America would get paid for failing to fulfill their duties—Congress should face the same principle.”

Congressman Norman also stressed that the impending shutdown is avoidable, but Democrats in Washington are choosing to play politics rather than put the American people first. House Republicans did their part passing a clean Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded while long-term negotiations continue.

“When families, small businesses, and workers fall short, they don’t have the luxury of collecting a paycheck for unfinished work,” continued Congressman Norman. “Washington ought to be no different. Accountability is not optional. It is the foundation of public service, and Congress must be held to the same standard as the people we represent.”