What is prohibited by the 27th Amendment regarding congressional pay?

The 27th Amendment specifically addresses the timing of pay changes for members of Congress. It states that any law that varies the compensation for their services shall not take effect until an election of Representatives has intervened. Essentially, this means that Congress cannot give themselves immediate pay raises; they must wait until the next election cycle. This provision was designed to prevent members of Congress from voting to increase their pay without considering the will of the electorate.

The other options do not accurately reflect the wording or intent of the 27th Amendment. While Congress can set its pay, any changes will only take effect after the next election. This ensures accountability and transparency, as it prevents lawmakers from making self-serving decisions regarding their compensation without the possibility of having to answer to voters.