Congress to Dock Its Own Pay During Government Shutdowns and Debt Crises, Starting 2026

The "No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act" aims to hit lawmakers where it hurts – their wallets – if the government shuts down or hits the debt ceiling. Here's the deal: starting after the November 2026 general election, members of Congress will lose a day's pay for each day a shutdown drags on or for every day the U.S. is in default.

Show Me The Money!

The core idea is simple: if the government can't do its job, Congress shouldn't get paid. The bill defines a "government shutdown" as any lapse in funding for federal agencies because Congress couldn't pass a budget or a continuing resolution. Similarly, hitting the "debt limit" means the government can't pay its bills because of the legal borrowing cap (31 U.S. Code § 3101).

For the current 119th Congress (that's now through the end of the current term), there's a bit of a twist. Instead of directly cutting pay, the bill requires payroll administrators (defined as the Chief Administrative Officer in the House and the Secretary of the Senate) to withhold a day's pay for each day of a shutdown or default. That money goes into an escrow account. But – and here's the catch – all that withheld pay gets released back to the members at the end of the 119th Congress. (SEC. 2 & 3). After the November 2026 election, the pay will actually be reduced.

Real-World Impact (Eventually)

Let's say there's a 10-day government shutdown in 2027. A member of Congress, whether they're a Senator, Representative, Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner, would lose 10 days' worth of their annual salary. This is a straightforward penalty designed to make shutdowns and debt ceiling standoffs more personally costly for lawmakers.

Before the 2026 election, however, the impact is more symbolic. The money is withheld, but it's ultimately returned. This setup is likely due to the 27th Amendment, which prevents Congress from changing its own pay during the current term. Think of it like a forced savings account that they get back later.

The Bigger Picture and the Fine Print

The "No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act" taps into a common frustration: the feeling that lawmakers aren't always held accountable for the consequences of their actions (or inaction). The bill aims to create a direct financial disincentive for situations that disrupt the lives of everyday Americans.

The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to help implement the Act. (SEC. 4) This is key because the Treasury is responsible for managing the nation's finances and would have the most direct knowledge of when the debt limit is reached.

While the delayed implementation and the escrow provision for the 119th Congress might seem like loopholes, the bill does set a precedent. It puts a clear marker down that, at least in theory, Congress's pay should be tied to its ability to keep the government running and the nation's finances in order.