A resolution prohibiting the use of funds for official travel by Senators during Government shutdowns.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 671
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-15: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-21T14:27:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 671
Purpose
To prevent U.S. Senators from using official office funds to pay for or reimburse their official travel during government shutdowns, which occur when Congress fails to pass funding bills (a "lapse in appropriations" for federal agencies).
Key Provisions
- Funding Restriction: Money from the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA, a budget allocated to each Senator for staff, offices, and operations) cannot be:
- Obligated (committed) or spent directly on official travel costs.
- Used to reimburse a Senator for such travel.
- Applies only during periods when appropriations lapse for one or more federal agencies, triggering a partial government shutdown.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new prohibition on SOPOEA funds for Senators' official travel during shutdowns.
- Previously, no explicit ban existed, so such travel could potentially be funded from these accounts.
Potential Impacts
- On Senators: Limits personal official travel (e.g., to meetings, events, or districts) during shutdowns, requiring alternative funding sources if travel is essential.
- On Government Agencies/Citizens: Minimal direct impact, as this affects only Senate internal spending; indirectly promotes fiscal restraint during shutdowns that furlough federal workers.
- On International Relations: Negligible, unless a Senator's foreign travel is curtailed.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Senators: Directly restricted in using office funds for travel.
- Senate Committee on Rules and Administration: Oversees referral and potential enforcement.
- Senate leadership and staff: May need to adjust travel policies and approvals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple Senate resolution (S. Res.), it binds only the Senate internally and does not require House approval or presidential signature; enforceable via Senate rules.
- Constitutional: No major issues, as it regulates Congress's own spending under Article I (Congress controls its funds).
- Political: Signals emphasis on accountability and shared sacrifice during shutdowns; could set precedent for similar restrictions on House members or other spending, amid debates on government funding. Introduced by Sen. Moody and referred to committee on April 15, 2026 (119th Congress, 2d Session).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-15: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- 2026-04-15: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Prohibiting the use of funds for official travel by Senators during Government shutdowns. — issued 2026-04-15 — PDF (2 pages)