The 27th Amendment and the Government Shutdown

I am embarassed to say that when a friend asked me what the 27th amendment was, I did not
know. I had to look it up:

"No law, varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened."

You will *never* be tested on this for the bar exam.

However, in light of current events, I thought it would be worth mentioning. Essentially, Congress votes itself pay raises, and no one can take away their pay except themselves.

The takeaway? The government was shut down by Congress, but they are still getting paid. Most all other government workers are not getting paid, though many will receive back-pay once the stalemate is over.

There it is, folks. Your government in action (inaction?)

John Gillis, Esq.