What does Preamble of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This bill aims to withhold pay from Members of Congress if Congress fails to approve a concurrent resolution on the budget. The bill also stipulates that Members of Congress will not receive pay if regular appropriations bills have not been passed. The legislation's effect would occur after October 1 of any fiscal year where the specified conditions are unmet.

What does SHORT TITLE. of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This bill is formally titled the ``No Budget, No Pay Act''.

What does DEFINITION. of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This section defines the term 'Member of Congress' for the purposes of this legislation. The definition of 'Member of Congress' is derived from section 2106 of title 5, United States Code. The Vice President is explicitly excluded from the definition of 'Member of Congress'.

What does TIMELY APPROVAL OF CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET AND THE of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This section addresses the scenario where Congress fails to approve a concurrent resolution on the budget by October 1. It also addresses the scenario where Congress fails to pass all regular appropriations bills for the next fiscal year by October 1. If both of these conditions occur, the pay of each Member of Congress may be withheld. The pay withholding continues until both a concurrent resolution on the budget is approved and all regular appropriations bills are passed.

What does NO PAY WITHOUT CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET AND THE of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This section prohibits the appropriation of funds for Congressional pay during periods determined by the chairpersons of the relevant budget and appropriations committees. The prohibition applies regardless of any other law. Members of Congress cannot receive retroactive pay for periods determined by the aforementioned committee chairpersons.

What does DETERMINATIONS. of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This section outlines a process for determining Congressional compliance with section 3 and potential withholding of pay for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. Each October 1, the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives must request certifications from the relevant committees. The Chairpersons of the Committee on the Budget and the Committee on Appropriations in both the Senate and the House must determine Congressional compliance and the duration of any potential pay withholding. These determinations must be certified to the Secretaries/Chief Administrative Officers upon request.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of No Budget, No Pay Act do?

This section establishes the effective date for the provisions outlined in the preceding sections of the Act.

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No Budget, No Pay Act

Last updated: 10/14/2025 · Introduced: 10/14/2025

Author: Scott Peters (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill withholds pay from Members of Congress if Congress fails to approve a budget resolution by October 1.
Congressional pay will also be withheld if regular appropriations bills are not passed by October 1.
The relevant committee chairpersons determine the duration of any pay withholding, and retroactive pay is prohibited.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

7 sections

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