CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

John Kennedy (R-LA)

A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.

S.Res. 526 · Senate resolution Congress

A Republican resolution with 4 Republican cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors

Last activity — Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2295)

Adopted

The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.

Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Adopted by the Senate voice vote

A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.

The Senate by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no senator's position on it was recorded.

What this bill would do

S. Res. 526 is a resolution regarding the withholding of pay for Senators during a Government shutdown. It defines a Government shutdown as a lapse in appropriations for one or more Federal agencies or departments. During such a shutdown, the Secretary of the Senate must hold any compensation payments for each Senator. These payments will be released as soon as practicable after the shutdown ends. This resolution takes effect after the general election for Federal office in November 2026.

Yes

  • Scored +4

    Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?

    Increases accountability by penalizing legislators for failing to maintain government operations.

  • Scored +3

    Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?

    Creates a financial incentive for legislators to avoid government shutdowns by withholding their pay.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.

What Congress actually voted on

One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.

None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.

  • The Senate: a vote to end debate and allow a final vote In the Senate, debate can continue indefinitely unless 60 senators vote to end it. This vote is that attempt. It decides whether the Senate may vote on the thing at all — not whether the thing passes. A failed cloture vote usually ends the matter without anyone ever voting on its merits. Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to 99 yes · 0 no

    See who voted how →

    05/13/2026 · Roll call 119 · recorded as “On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed S.Res. 526”