Election Day is coming — are you registered to vote?
119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
Browse Bills
← Back to all bills
SENATES.Res. 526· 119th Congress

Resolution Withholds Senate Pay During Government Shutdowns

A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.

Sponsor
John Kennedy (R-LA)
Introduced
Dec 3, 2025
Last Action
May 14, 2026

Recorded legislative actions. Future votes are not implied.

✓
Introduced
Dec 3, 2025
✓
In Committee
Dec 3, 2025
✓
Passed Committee
Dec 17, 2025
✓
Adopted by Senate
May 14, 2026

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jul 29, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 11, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

  • This resolution denies compensation to U.S. Senators during any federal government shutdown (a lapse in appropriations for one or more agencies or departments).
  • Senators receive back pay as soon as practicable after the shutdown ends.
  • The pay withholding takes effect beginning the day after the November 2026 general election for federal office.
  • The delayed effective date complies with the U.S. Constitution requirement that changes to congressional compensation cannot take effect until an intervening election has occurred.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • The resolution creates a financial incentive for Senators to avoid shutdowns by linking their personal compensation to appropriations continuity.
  • Senators will not lose compensation permanently; they will be paid retroactively once the shutdown ends.
  • The restriction applies only to future shutdowns occurring after the November 2026 election cycle.
  • No other documented effects on appropriations processes, shutdown duration, or negotiation dynamics are established in the official summary.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • The Senate passed the resolution without amendment by voice vote on May 14, 2026.
  • Cloture on the motion to proceed was invoked 99–0 on May 13, 2026.
  • The Committee on Rules and Administration reported the measure without amendment on December 17, 2025.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • May 14, 2026 — Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2295)
  • May 14, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
  • May 13, 2026 — Measure laid before Senate by motion.
  • May 13, 2026 — Cloture on the motion to proceed invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 99 - 0. Record Vote Number: 119. (consideration: CR S2255-2259)
  • May 11, 2026 — Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2190)
  • May 11, 2026 — Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S2190)
  • Dec 17, 2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 296.
  • Dec 17, 2025 — Committee on Rules and Administration. Reported by Senator McConnell without amendment. Without written report.