A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 526
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2295)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-18T15:13:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. RES. 526
Purpose
The resolution establishes a procedure to withhold compensation payments to Senators during a federal government shutdown caused by a lapse in appropriations.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- A "Government shutdown" refers to a lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments.
- The "Secretary of the Senate" includes the Secretary or a designated employee in that office responsible for carrying out payment requirements.
- Withholding of Pay: During any government shutdown, the Secretary of the Senate must hold, rather than disburse, payments for each Senator's compensation.
- Release of Payments: Held payments must be released to Senators as soon as practicable after the shutdown ends.
- Effective Date: The provisions apply beginning the day after the November 2026 general election for federal office.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces a new internal Senate procedure for managing Senator compensation during funding lapses. It alters the timing of pay disbursements by requiring temporary withholding until the shutdown concludes, rather than allowing uninterrupted payments.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Affects Senate payroll operations by directing the Secretary of the Senate to manage and delay compensation releases during shutdown periods.
- Citizens: No direct provisions address impacts on the public.
- International Relations: The resolution contains no provisions related to international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- United States Senators, whose compensation payments are subject to withholding.
- The Secretary of the Senate and designated staff in the Office of the Secretary, who are responsible for implementing the withholding and release process.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
As a Senate resolution, it operates as an internal rule for Senate compensation procedures without amending broader statutes. It applies prospectively after the 2026 election and focuses solely on disbursement timing within the Senate's authority over its members' pay.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2295)
- 2026-05-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-13: Measure laid before Senate by motion.
- 2026-05-13: Cloture on the motion to proceed invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 99 - 0. Record Vote Number: 119. (consideration: CR S2255-2259) (Roll call 119)
- 2026-05-11: Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S2190)
- 2026-05-11: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S2190)
- 2025-12-17: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 296.
- 2025-12-17: Committee on Rules and Administration. Reported by Senator McConnell without amendment. Without written report.
- 2025-12-17: Committee on Rules and Administration. Reported by Senator McConnell without amendment. Without written report.
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S8486)
- 2025-12-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (2 pages)
- Withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs. — issued 2025-12-03 — PDF (2 pages)
- Withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (4 pages)