Congressman Cory Mills Introduces the FUBAR Act, to Cut Congressional Pay When the Budget Isn’t Passed

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Cory Mills introduced new legislation to ensure Members of Congress face real consequences when they fail to do their job and fund the federal government on time. The Failed to Uphold the Budget? Allowance: Reduced Act or the ‘‘FUBAR Act," means Members of Congress will earn virtually nothing from the first day of a government shutdown through that congressional session. The name reflects what every service member already knows: when something is "FUBAR," it’s been mangled, broken, or rendered useless. Americans should never be held hostage while Washington plays partisan games with their livelihoods. During the FY26 shutdown, service members, federal employees, welfare recipients, and nonprofits were left without support, while Members of Congress continued to collect full paychecks. The situation was absolutely unacceptable. While previous efforts to strip congressional pay have run into constitutional concerns, the FUBAR Act is specifically crafted to address both Article I, Section 6 limitations and 27th Amendment restrictions surrounding changes to Member compensation. By extending the pay reduction beyond the shutdown period itself, the bill increases the pressure on lawmakers to prevent even short-term shutdowns that cause uncertainty and harm to the American people.

“This bill is simple, if Congress can’t do its job, Members shouldn’t get paid. Period,” Congressman Mills said. “Congress owes every American family accountability. The American people deserve a government that delivers results, not partisan games and not aCongress that rewards itself for failure.”

The FUBAR Act reaffirms Congress’ Article I responsibility to responsibly fund the federal government and ensures Members cannot evade accountability while others bear the consequences of inaction.