Every time the federal government shuts down due to Congressional gridlock, millions of everyday Americans are directly affected. Federal workers go without pay. Military families face uncertainty. Small business owners dependent on federal contracts lose income. Veterans experience delays in vital benefits. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Congress - the very people responsible for the shutdown - continue to collect their taxpayer-funded salaries and perks without interruption.

This is about basic fairness and accountability. If the American people are expected to suffer the consequences of political inaction, then so should their elected officials. If nothing changes, Congress will continue to operate by a different set of rules - immune to the hardships they cause. Passing the No Pay for Shutdown Act would send a powerful message: leaders must lead by example. If the government shuts down, lawmakers shouldn’t get paid - not during, and not afterward.

Government shutdowns are becoming dangerously routine. With more looming political standoffs and budget battles ahead, we cannot afford another crisis where Congress escapes unscathed while citizens pay the price. Now is the time to draw a line in the sand. By signing this petition, you're standing up for accountability, fairness, and real leadership. The American people deserve better - and we deserve lawmakers who feel the consequences of their own inaction. No budget? No paycheck. Period.

What This Petition Proposes:

The No Pay for Shutdown Act is a common-sense accountability measure that ensures members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives do not receive any form of compensation during a government shutdown caused by their failure to pass a budget. This bill permanently suspends Congressional pay during shutdown periods and explicitly prohibits retroactive compensation, benefits, or workarounds. It holds lawmakers to the same standards faced by millions of Americans impacted by government inaction. If Congress cannot keep the government running, they should not get paid - simple as that.

The No Pay for Shutdown Act

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act may be cited as the “No Pay for Shutdown Act.”

 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Act:

"Lapse in Appropriations" refers to any period where federal discretionary funding expires or becomes unavailable, resulting in a partial or full government shutdown.
"Member of Congress" means any sitting United States Senator, Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner.
"Compensation" includes salary, wages, stipends, bonuses, allowances, per diems, travel or housing reimbursements, deferred pay, and any form of financial or non-financial benefits tied to service in Congress.
 
SECTION 3. SUSPENSION OF CONGRESSIONAL COMPENSATION
(a) Suspension During Shutdowns
During any lapse in appropriations, all compensation and benefits for Members of Congress shall be immediately suspended. This includes:

• Base salary
• Housing, travel, or living stipends
• Reimbursements for official or unofficial expenses
• Deferred compensation or trust payouts
• Health insurance contributions (excluding emergency coverage)
• Taxpayer-funded perks or office privileges

(b) Prohibition of Retroactive Payments
Members of Congress shall not receive back pay or retroactive compensation for any period of suspended pay during a shutdown.

(c) No Alternate Compensation
No federal agency, contractor, or affiliate may issue direct or indirect forms of payment to Members of Congress during a government shutdown. This includes indirect reimbursement or shifting payments through staff budgets or third parties.

 SECTION 4. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
(a) Oversight and Transparency
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) shall monitor compliance and publicly report violations within 60 days of any shutdown.

(b) Penalties for Violation
Attempts to circumvent this Act shall result in:

• Immediate forfeiture of funds
• Fines up to $50,000
• Referral to the Department of Justice for investigation

(c) Public Disclosure
Violations and attempted workarounds will be listed in the Congressional Record and published to a public transparency portal.

 
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act shall take effect upon enactment and apply to all future government shutdowns, regardless of cause or length.