This joint resolution would add an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment would require Members of Congress to forfeit and not receive any pay for any period when there is a lapse in appropriations caused by a failure to pass regular or continuing appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. Amounts forfeited would be transferred to the Treasury general fund to be used to reduce the Federal debt. The amendment would allow Congress to pass laws to enforce it. The resolution was introduced in the Senate on October 29, 2025, by Senator Lindsey Graham and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
If this amendment is ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, Members of Congress would not be paid for days when appropriations lapse because Congress did not pass funding. The money taken from Members' pay would go to the Treasury to reduce the Federal debt. The amendment text does not say how enforcement would work beyond letting Congress make laws to implement it.
No publicly available information on estimated costs or savings beyond the amendment text stating forfeited pay would be transferred to the Treasury general fund to reduce the Federal debt.
No publicly available information in the bill text about proponents' stated reasons for the amendment.
No publicly available information in the bill text about opponents' stated concerns or arguments.