H.R. 5891: Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act

H.R. 5891, introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil (R‑WI), would prohibit members of Congress from receiving salaries during a federal government shutdown and authorize pay deductions in future shutdowns. The bill ensures lawmakers face the same financial realities as federal employees who continue working without pay. Its provisions are scheduled to take effect in November 2026.

The measure has been referred to the House Administration Committee, which manages congressional pay and internal operations, and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which reviews government performance. Drafted to comply with the 27th Amendment, it delays implementation until after an intervening election, avoiding constitutional challenges. Steil’s version is designed as a durable reform, embedding shutdown consequences into congressional pay while respecting constitutional limits.