Starting in fiscal year 2026, if either chamber has not passed all of its regular annual appropriations bills by the first day of the fiscal year, that chamber’s Members will have their pay placed into an escrow account. Pay is released once that chamber finishes passing all regular appropriations for the year, or, at the latest, on the last day of that Congress to comply with the 27th Amendment.

Normal payroll withholding (taxes and other deductions) continues while funds are in escrow. The Secretary of the Treasury must assist House and Senate payroll administrators (the House Chief Administrative Officer and the Secretary of the Senate) in carrying out these procedures. “Member” includes Delegates and the Resident Commissioner.