Summary of H.R. 7628: Repeal of Congressional Pay Adjustments

Bill Overview

H.R. 7628, introduced on February 20, 2026, seeks to repeal the current provision of law that automatically adjusts the salaries of members of the U.S. Congress.

Key Provisions

• Repeals the statutory mechanism that provides for automatic annual pay adjustments for members of the House of Representatives and Senate.
• This would eliminate the annual cost-of-living increase that Congress members have received in recent years.
• Members of Congress would no longer receive automatic pay raises, and any future changes to congressional salaries would require separate legislation to be voted on.

Potential Impact

• If passed, this bill would freeze the current salaries of all 435 Representatives and 100 Senators at their present levels.
• It would require Congress to explicitly vote on any future pay increases rather than relying on the automatic adjustment process.
• Proponents argue this would increase congressional accountability and oversight on the issue of legislative branch compensation.
• Critics contend it could make it more difficult to recruit talented individuals to run for Congress if salaries fall behind inflation and cost-of-living increases.

Procedural Details

• The bill was referred to the House Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration.
• It was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 20, 2026, but has not yet received a committee hearing or vote.
• The bill's ultimate fate and prospects for passage remain to be determined as it moves through the legislative process.