Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) announced that he has reintroduced a constitutional amendment to block members of Congress from collecting paychecks when they fail to keep the government funded.
Norman announced the move on Tuesday before the shutdown was triggered.
“During shutdowns, federal workers are told to ‘do more with less,’” Norman said in a post on X.
“Meanwhile, Congress still cashes paychecks. That’s wrong.
“I’ve reintroduced an Amendment to end Member pay during shutdowns.
“Zero. No back pay either!!”
During shutdowns, federal workers are told to “do more with less.” Meanwhile, Congress still cashes paychecks. That’s wrong.
I’ve reintroduced an Amendment to end Member pay during shutdowns. Zero. No back pay either!! pic.twitter.com/WU7fxhetH7
— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) September 30, 2025
The South Carolina Republican thanked several colleagues for cosponsoring the measure.
GOP lawmakers backing the move include Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Cory Mills (R-FL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and John Joyce (R-PA).
THANK YOU for cosponsoring:@boblatta, @RepJackBergman, @RepEliCrane, @RepMillsPress, @RepDustyJohnson, @RepJohnJoyce.
— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) September 30, 2025
Amendment Text
The proposed amendment would explicitly prohibit lawmakers from being paid during any period when a government shutdown is in effect:
“A Representative or Senator may not receive compensation with respect to any period during which a Government shutdown is in effect,” the resolution states.
“For purposes of this article, a Government shutdown shall be considered to be in effect if there is a lapse in appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution.”
It further clarifies that Congress would retain the authority to enforce the provision through appropriate legislation.
Shutdown Deadline Looms
Norman’s push came as Washington barreled toward a partial government shutdown at midnight Wednesday.
Republicans and Democrats remain locked in a standoff over spending priorities, each blaming the other as negotiations drag out.
In a press release, Norman argued that lawmakers should be held to the same standards as ordinary Americans.
“Members of Congress have a constitutional duty to fund the government’s essential functions,” Norman said.
“If Congress fails to meet that obligation, we should not expect taxpayers to continue paying us for inaction.
“No one else in America would get paid for failing to fulfill their duties—Congress should face the same principle.”
Political Context
Norman, who is also running for governor in South Carolina, has long been an advocate for fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
His proposal comes at a moment when public frustration over Washington’s repeated funding battles is at a peak.
By tying lawmakers’ pay directly to their ability to fulfill one of their most basic constitutional obligations, funding the government, Norman is betting that Americans will rally behind a measure aimed at holding Congress accountable for dysfunction in the nation’s capital.
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