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I’ve reintroduced a constitutional amendment to ensure that Members of Congress receive no compensation during a government shutdown. No back pay either.

Here’s why this matters:

When the government shuts down, millions of Americans are directly impacted. Federal employees go without paychecks. Military families are forced to live under tremendous uncertainty. Essential services are strained. Yet Members of Congress, the very people responsible for passing budgets and keeping the government open, continue to draw a salary. That is unfair, and it sends the wrong message about accountability in Washington.

The looming shutdown is avoidable, but Democrats in Washington are choosing to play politics rather than put the American people first. House republicans did our part passing a CLEAN continuing resolution to keep the lights on while long-term negotiations continue.

My amendment is straightforward, if Congress fails to fulfill its basic duty to keep the government funded, then Members of Congress should not be rewarded with taxpayer dollars. No work, no pay!! It’s the same principle every American worker understands.

For decades, Congress has failed to pass its appropriations bills by the September 30th deadline, triggering repeated shutdowns. Both parties are guilty of failing to come together, and the consequences always fall hardest on the people we represent. This amendment is about restoring fairness and responsibility. Lawmakers must be subject to the same standard as every family and worker across this country.