No Work, No Pay Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 30, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to link congressional pay directly to the successful funding of the federal government, withholding salaries during shutdowns to incentivize legislative action.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the "No Work, No Pay Act of 2025," prohibits Members of Congress from receiving their pay for any day a government shutdown is in effect. It mandates that payroll administrators in both the House and Senate withhold one day's worth of pay for each 24-hour period of a shutdown. A government shutdown is defined as a lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department due to a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that Members of Congress should not receive their salaries when the government they are responsible for funding is shut down due to their inability to pass appropriations. They contend this measure would incentivize lawmakers to avoid shutdowns and reach bipartisan agreements on funding, fostering greater accountability to taxpayers and demonstrating shared sacrifice with federal employees who may be furloughed or work without pay.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that withholding pay for Members of Congress during a shutdown could be seen as a largely symbolic gesture that does not address the root causes of funding impasses. Some might contend it could disproportionately affect members with fewer personal financial resources, potentially creating a barrier to public service. Others might argue that it could be used as a political weapon, further entrenching partisan divides rather than encouraging compromise.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it easily accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition of Pay During Government Shutdowns
This section mandates that if a government shutdown occurs, Members of Congress will not receive their pay for each day the shutdown is in effect. Specifically, for every 24-hour period of a shutdown within a pay period, one day's worth of pay will be withheld from their compensation. The responsibility for this withholding falls to the payroll administrators of the House and Senate, with assistance from the Secretary of the Treasury.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision creates a direct financial incentive for Members of Congress to fulfill their primary duty of funding the government, ensuring they share the financial consequences of a shutdown with other federal employees and the public.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this provision is largely symbolic and does not address the underlying political gridlock that leads to shutdowns. Some may also raise concerns about the constitutional implications of altering congressional pay during a term, referencing the 27th Amendment, though the bill is structured to apply to future Congresses.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for congressional accountability and shared sacrifice during shutdowns against potential concerns about the practical effectiveness of such a measure in resolving complex political impasses or its constitutional implications.