Full Breakdown
Congressional Pay During Government Shutdown: A Legislative Response
11/5/2025, 2:55:34 AM
Overview of the Legislative Efforts
As the federal government shutdown extends into its 35th day, several lawmakers are advocating for measures to prevent members of Congress from receiving their salaries while federal employees go unpaid. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced two bills aimed at addressing this issue, emphasizing that Congress should share the financial burden experienced by federal workers, including troops and air traffic controllers.
Key Legislative Proposals
Senator Kennedy's primary proposal, the "Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act," mandates that congressional paychecks be held in escrow during a government shutdown. This legislation aims to ensure that members of Congress do not receive pay until the government reopens, and it also stipulates that lawmakers will not receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. Kennedy stated, “If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck — plain and simple.”
In addition to Kennedy's efforts, Representative Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) has introduced a companion bill in the House. Steil echoed Kennedy's sentiments, asserting that if essential employees are working without pay, Congress should not be compensated either.
Broader Legislative Context
Kennedy's initiative is part of a larger movement among some Republican lawmakers to hold Congress accountable during shutdowns. Other proposals include legislation from Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), which would impose a daily tax on lawmakers during shutdowns, and a constitutional amendment proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) that would require lawmakers to forfeit their paychecks during such periods. Graham suggested that the forfeited salaries should be directed to the U.S. Treasury to help reduce the national debt.
Actions by Individual Lawmakers
Several members of Congress have voluntarily opted to forgo their pay during the shutdown. In South Carolina, five GOP representatives have requested their salaries be withheld, while Senators Lindsey Graham and Ralph Norman have pledged to donate their pay to charity. Graham remarked, “If members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns and they would end quicker.”
Official Statements & Responses
Kennedy's office has highlighted the need for Congress to experience the same hardships as federal workers. Steil emphasized that the ongoing shutdown is unnecessary and that Congress should act to reopen the government. Meanwhile, some lawmakers, including Democrats, have criticized the ongoing stalemate, blaming each other for the impasse.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many lawmakers are advocating for withholding pay, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of such measures in preventing future shutdowns. Previous attempts to change congressional pay during shutdowns have failed to pass, and the process for amending the Constitution remains complex, requiring significant bipartisan support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips.” — Senator John Kennedy
- “, who said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "If service members, men and women of federal law enforcement, and other essential employees are working without pay during the Schumer shutdown, members of Congress should not be paid either.” — Representative Bryan Steil
- “Public service means putting others first, and I’ll always stand with the hardworking Americans who keep this country running,” — Representative Sheri Biggs
This legislative response reflects a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that Congress should not be insulated from the consequences of its actions during government shutdowns.
