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The Constitution of the United States of America
Article I, Section 6
Introduction:
Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution addresses the privileges and restrictions of members of Congress. It ensures that senators and representatives are compensated for their services and grants them immunity from arrest during their attendance at sessions of Congress, except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace. Additionally, it prohibits members from holding any other civil office under the authority of the United States while serving in Congress, thereby preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring the separation of powers. This section underscores the importance of legislative independence and the protection of lawmakers in the performance of their duties.
Actual Text:
“The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office. ”
