Story perspectives

Democrats Push to Withhold Lawmaker Pay During Shutdown

10/22/2025

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Left

Larson Proposes Pay Withhold

Democrats are intensifying efforts to highlight pay disparity between wealthy lawmakers and federal workers amid the government shutdown.
Representative John Larson (D-Conn.) has proposed legislation to withhold pay for Congress members during the shutdown, with salaries escrowed until government reopens.
The measure would apply to lawmakers, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator JD Vance.
The crisis has prompted over 500 people to seek $5,000 shutdown relief loans.

Right

Gallego Critiques Pay Issues

Senate staffers missed paychecks amid the government shutdown.
Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said he is undecided about withholding his salary and criticized Republicans for symbolic gestures.
Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) accused Senator Gallego of ignoring staff's pay and questioned his leadership.
Senator Gallego has voted against bipartisan funding measures ending the shutdown and ensuring federal salaries.
More than 500 people have applied for $5,000 shutdown relief loans amid the crisis.

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Larson Proposes Pay Withhold

Democrats are intensifying efforts to highlight pay disparity between wealthy lawmakers and federal workers amid the government shutdown.
Representative John Larson (D-Conn.) has proposed legislation to withhold pay for Congress members during the shutdown, with salaries escrowed until government reopens.
The measure would apply to lawmakers, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator JD Vance.
The crisis has prompted over 500 people to seek $5,000 shutdown relief loans.

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