A chorus of voices from across the political spectrum demands that members of Congress forfeit their pay during the current government shutdown, which enters its sixth week. This makes eminent sense as a means of disincentivizing political dysfunction. But perhaps the punishment should go further.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina, has introduced a constitutional amendment to mandate that members of the House and Senate not be compensated during federal government closures. Routine legislation won’t suffice because Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution stipulates that senators and representatives “shall” receive payment for services, without denoting any exceptions.

“Not only should members of Congress not get paid during shutdowns,” Sen. Graham said in a statement,

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