The Constituency

S.Res. 526 · Congress

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

Introduced Dec 3, 2025 · Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2295)

What does this mean?

If the federal government shuts down because Congress hasn't passed the funding bills needed to keep agencies running, this resolution would stop Senators from getting their paychecks during that shutdown. Once the shutdown ends, they'd receive the back pay they missed. This wouldn't kick in right away — it only starts the day after the November 2026 election, because the Constitution says changes to Congress members' pay can't take effect until voters have had a chance to weigh in through an election first.

Read the official CRS summary on Congress.gov →

Bill Lifecycle

Real action history from Congress.gov — where this bill is in the process, and every recorded step along the way.

Introduced in Senate

Dec 3, 2025

Referred to Committee

Dec 3, 2025

Passed Senate

May 14, 2026

Full action history (10)

Dec 3, 2025Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S8486)

Dec 3, 2025Introduced in Senate

Dec 17, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 296.

Dec 17, 2025Committee on Rules and Administration. Reported by Senator McConnell without amendment. Without written report.

May 11, 2026Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2190)

May 11, 2026Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S2190)