Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation for any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect.
Summary
This document is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during government shutdowns. It defines a government shutdown as a lapse in appropriations due to a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would prevent members of Congress from being paid during government shutdowns. This could incentivize Congress to avoid shutdowns and pass timely appropriations. It could also lead to unintended consequences, such as members being less willing to compromise.
Potential Benefits
- Could incentivize Congress to avoid government shutdowns.
- May increase accountability of elected officials.
- Could save taxpayer money during shutdowns.
- Potentially reduces the disruption caused by government shutdowns.
- Could lead to more responsible fiscal behavior.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could make members of Congress more risk-averse, leading to less compromise.
- May disproportionately affect lower-income members of Congress.
- Could create a disincentive for Congress to address critical issues during budget negotiations.
- Potential for unintended consequences in budget negotiations.
- May not fully address the underlying causes of government shutdowns.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed amendment aligns with the principle of accountability of elected officials. Article V of the Constitution outlines the amendment process, which this resolution follows. The amendment itself does not directly conflict with any existing constitutional provisions. It aims to add a new constraint on the compensation of members of Congress, which is within the scope of congressional powers as defined in Article I.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).