Us Congress House Bill HB5695

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/23
• Refer: 9/26/23

Caption

No Work, No Pay Act of 2023

Impact

The introduction of HB 5695 seeks to reinforce accountability among legislative members, emphasizing the expectation that elected representatives should face consequences when unable to resolve funding issues that lead to government shutdowns. By withholding pay during these periods, supporters of the bill argue that it would motivate Congress to function effectively and prioritize government operations, thereby potentially influencing future legislative behavior. The bill's provisions will apply to the current Congress and each succeeding Congress, reinforcing its permanent nature if enacted.

Summary

House Bill 5695, known as the ‘No Work, No Pay Act of 2023,’ is designed to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during periods when a government shutdown is in effect. The bill establishes that if a government shutdown occurs, the payroll administrator of each House of Congress will exclude the pay of its Members corresponding to the duration of the shutdown. This legislation aims to hold elected officials accountable during times of operational failure in the federal government, particularly when they are unable to enact appropriations necessary for government functioning.

Contention

Debates around HB 5695 may center on the implications of tying congressional pay to government functionality. Critics may argue that while the intent of the bill is to promote accountability, it could lead to unintended consequences, such as discouraging potential candidates from running for office due to financial insecurity during turbulent governmental periods. Supporters, however, assert that ensuring members of Congress are unpaid during a shutdown is a necessary measure to compel swift action and prioritize the needs of the nation over political disagreements.