H.J.Res. 128 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Sep 30, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStops Congress pay during government shutdowns
This proposes a change to the Constitution that would prevent Members of Congress from getting paid while a government shutdown is happening. A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the spending bills needed to keep federal agencies and departments running, causing a lapse in funding.
How it affects you
This wouldn't directly change most people's daily lives, but it's a proposal about how Congress members are compensated during shutdowns. If you work for the federal government, shutdowns already affect you through furloughs or delayed pay, but this amendment specifically targets lawmakers' compensation rather than federal employee benefits.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Sep 30, 2025)
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a government shutdown is in effect. Under the amendment, a government shutdown is considered to be in effect if there is a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH.J.Res. 128
JOINT RESOLUTION
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.
Sponsor: Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC-5) · Introduced Sep 30, 2025 · Congress · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Sep 30, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”