While Washington continues to fumble basic responsibilities—like keeping the government funded—Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) is taking a stand for fiscal accountability. On Tuesday, Norman announced that he has once again introduced a constitutional amendment that would halt congressional paychecks during any government shutdown, with no back pay allowed.
“During shutdowns, federal workers are told to ‘do more with less.’ Meanwhile, Congress still cashes paychecks. That’s wrong,” Norman stated on X. “I’ve reintroduced an Amendment to end Member pay during shutdowns. Zero. No back pay either!!”
Norman’s proposal is gaining traction among conservatives fed up with the swamp’s endless dysfunction. He thanked fellow Republican lawmakers—Reps. Bob Latta (OH), Jack Bergman (MI), Eli Crane (AZ), Cory Mills (FL), Dusty Johnson (SD), and John Joyce (PA)—for co-sponsoring the amendment.
The joint resolution lays it out in no uncertain terms: if Congress fails to pass a budget or a continuing resolution and the government shuts down, members of Congress won’t get paid—period.
“A Representative or Senator may not receive compensation with respect to any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect,” the resolution reads. It also clarifies that a shutdown is defined as “a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department.”
And in a move sure to make career politicians squirm, the amendment explicitly states that no back pay will be awarded once the shutdown ends.
The resolution includes a standard clause found in constitutional amendments, requiring ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years of submission. Congress would also have enforcement power through subsequent legislation.
This isn’t some symbolic stunt. Norman’s effort comes as Capitol Hill barrels toward yet another budget crisis, with Republicans and Democrats once again pointing fingers instead of doing their jobs. A partial government shutdown could begin as soon as Wednesday.
“Members of Congress have a constitutional duty to fund the government’s essential functions,” Norman emphasized in a press release. “If Congress fails to meet that obligation, we should not expect taxpayers to continue paying us for inaction. No one else in America would get paid for failing to fulfill their duties—Congress should face the same principle.”
While Democrat leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer continue to play political games, some in their own party are beginning to express dissatisfaction with his handling of the negotiations.
Norman’s amendment offers a simple, commonsense solution: If lawmakers can’t do the job, they shouldn’t get paid. It’s an idea most Americans outside of D.C. can agree on.
