HR5755-119

What This Bill Does

The No Budget, No Pay Act creates a pay consequence for Congress when budget and appropriations requirements are not met. During a period determined by the relevant Budget Committee and Appropriations Committee chairpersons under the bill's timing rule, no funds may be appropriated or made available from the Treasury to pay Members of Congress. The bill also says a Member may not receive pay for that period later, after the period ends. The practical effect is not a temporary escrow; it permanently denies congressional pay for covered periods when the required budget or appropriations work has not been completed.

Who Benefits and How

Federal taxpayers benefit because Member pay is withheld and not later paid for covered noncompliance periods. Budget process reform advocates benefit from a statutory incentive for Congress to complete budget and appropriations work. House Budget Committee chairpersons benefit from a formal role in determining covered no-pay periods. Senate Appropriations Committee chairpersons benefit from the same determination role for Senate-side periods.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Members of Congress bear the direct burden because they cannot receive pay for covered periods. House payroll administrators must stop Member pay when the chairpersons determine a covered period. Senate payroll administrators must apply the same no-pay rule and prevent later payment. Budget Committee staff must support determinations under the bill's timing rule.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits Treasury funds from being made available for Member pay during covered periods.
• Requires covered periods to be determined by Budget and Appropriations Committee chairpersons.
• Prohibits Members of Congress from receiving pay later for the covered period.
• Creates a permanent pay loss rather than delayed salary escrow.