No Budget, No Pay Act

The No Budget, No Pay Act would require Congress to pass a budget resolution by April 15 of each year, as mandated by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. If either chamber fails to meet this deadline, members of that chamber would have their salaries withheld starting April 16. The salary withholding would continue until the chamber passes a budget resolution or the current Congress ends, whichever comes first.

If enacted, this bill would create a financial incentive for members of Congress to complete the budget process on schedule. Currently, Congress often misses the April 15 deadline without facing consequences. The practical effect would be that members could lose pay if their chamber does not complete this required budgeting step. This bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.