The American people expect their government to do its job. Every year, Congress is responsible for passing a federal budget so that essential services continue, workers are paid, and the country runs smoothly. Over the past 30 years, Congress has started the fiscal year on time only once and has resorted to at least 151 continuing resolutions to keep the lights on. Instead of working together, lawmakers allow political fights to push the nation to the edge of shutdowns that harm families, businesses, and national security.

The proposed 28th Amendment holds Congress accountable for fulfilling its most basic duty. If Congress cannot pass a budget on time, every sitting Senator and Representative at that moment will lose the right to run for office. They will complete their current term but will never again be allowed to seek or hold elected office in the federal government.

This amendment does not take sides between political parties. It simply states that when the people’s representatives fail to keep the government operating, they should not be trusted with that responsibility. It restores the principle that elected officials serve the nation, not their own political interests.

By enforcing consequences for inaction, the 28th Amendment protects citizens from the harm of political gridlock and ensures that Congress remains accountable to the people it serves. It is a step toward restoring trust, stability, and responsibility in the federal government.

Amendment 28

Section 1.
Congress shall adopt a budget for each fiscal year prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.
Section 2.
If Congress fails to enact a budget by the first day of the fiscal year, all sitting Members of the Senate and House of Representatives serving at that time shall be rendered ineligible for re-election to any federal office.
Section 3.
Members rendered ineligible under Section 2 shall serve out the remainder of their elected terms but shall be permanently barred from seeking, being elected to, or holding any office of the United States thereafter.
Section 4.
This article shall take effect at the beginning of the first fiscal year following its ratification.

Why is this amendment needed?

Since Congress shifted the fiscal year start to October 1 in 1976, passing all funding on time has been rare. In the last 30 fiscal years (FY1996 to FY2025), the record shows a pattern of delay and stopgaps rather than timely budgeting.

Only 1 of the last 30 fiscal years began with all regular appropriations enacted on time. That year was Fiscal Year 1997.

Congress has passed every required appropriations measure on time only four times since the modern process began in 1976. The years were 1977, 1989, 1995, and 1997. None have been on time since 1997.

From Fiscal Year 1998 through Fiscal Year 2025, Congress enacted 138 continuing resolutions in total. That tally includes 134 interim CRs plus 4 full-year CRs.

Sources:

Pew Research​ 

Congress