Bill > HR208

This bill establishes a mechanism to incentivize Congress to pass a budget resolution by April 15th each fiscal year by holding Members of Congress' salaries in escrow if they fail to do so. Specifically, if either the House of Representatives or the Senate has not agreed to a concurrent budget resolution by April 15th, the payroll administrator for that chamber (either the Chief Administrative Officer of the House or the Secretary of the Senate) will be required to deposit the Members' compensation into an escrow account. These funds will remain in escrow from April 16th until either the budget resolution is passed or the end of the congressional session, whichever comes first. The bill ensures that no actual reduction in pay occurs by mandating the full release of escrowed funds at the end of the Congress, thus complying with the 27th Amendment, which prohibits changing congressional compensation during a current term. The legislation applies to all Members of Congress, including Delegates and Resident Commissioners, and will take effect starting with fiscal year 2026. The goal is to create a financial incentive for Congress to complete its budgetary responsibilities in a timely manner.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/208/all-info