Reducing the annual rate of pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs during a year.
Summary
Senate Resolution 493 proposes reducing the annual pay of Senators if a government shutdown occurs during a year. The resolution defines a government shutdown as a lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments. It outlines a mechanism to withhold pay during shutdowns, with a special rule to hold salaries in escrow before the November 2026 general election to avoid violating the 27th Amendment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this resolution would reduce Senators' pay during government shutdowns. Before the 2026 election, withheld pay would be held in escrow and released at the end of the congressional term. After the 2026 election, pay would simply be reduced during shutdowns.
Potential Benefits
- May incentivize Senators to avoid government shutdowns.
- Could lead to more responsible fiscal behavior.
- Potentially saves taxpayer money during shutdowns.
- May increase public trust in government.
- Could set a precedent for holding elected officials accountable.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May not significantly deter government shutdowns if the impact on Senators' personal finances is minimal.
- Could be seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive solution.
- Implementation may create administrative overhead.
- Potential legal challenges related to the 27th Amendment before the effective date.
- May disproportionately affect Senators with lower personal wealth.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution raises potential concerns regarding the 27th Amendment, which prohibits varying the compensation of Senators during their term. The resolution attempts to address this by holding salaries in escrow before the 2026 election and releasing them at the end of the term. After the election, the pay reduction would apply to the subsequent term, potentially mitigating the 27th Amendment issue. Article I, Section 6 addresses compensation for Senators, but does not explicitly prohibit the proposed pay reduction under these circumstances.
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).