Full Breakdown
Congressional Pay Amid DHS Shutdown: A Divided Response
2/28/2026, 5:42:11 AM
Core Event: Congressional Silence on Paychecks During DHS Shutdown
As the partial government shutdown continues, affecting over 120,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, most of New York's congressional delegation has not publicly addressed whether they are accepting their salaries. The shutdown, which began on February 14, 2026, stems from Congress's inability to agree on a funding bill, leaving many federal workers, including Coast Guard members and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners, facing unpaid work.
Key Responses from New York Representatives
Only two members of New York's congressional delegation responded to inquiries regarding their pay during the shutdown. Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY) confirmed that he would not accept his paycheck, stating through a spokesman that his policy is to forgo pay during such periods. In contrast, Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY) acknowledged the inquiry but did not clarify her stance on accepting her salary. Gillen emphasized the need for bipartisan negotiations to resolve the shutdown and support frontline federal workers.
The remaining 26 members of New York's delegation, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), did not respond to requests for comment. Critics, including Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), questioned the priorities of Congress members, suggesting that their paychecks should not take precedence over the financial well-being of DHS employees.
Legislative Proposals to Address Congressional Pay
In response to the ongoing shutdown, some lawmakers have proposed measures to penalize Congress members during such crises. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced the SHUTDOWN Act, which would impose a daily tax on members of Congress during a government shutdown. Moreno criticized Democrats, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), for wanting to receive pay while the government is shut down.
Additionally, Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has requested that his salary be withheld until the government reopens, stating that he cannot accept a paycheck while federal workers are unpaid. These proposals reflect a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that Congress should share the consequences of a government shutdown.
Conflicting Reports on DHS Employee Pay
While approximately 120,000 DHS employees are currently working without pay, reports indicate that around 140,000 DHS employees, including immigration and law enforcement officials, continue to receive their salaries due to funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last summer. This discrepancy highlights the complexities of the funding situation and the differing impacts on various groups within the DHS.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Rick Scott remarked, “Why would Chuck Schumer and Democrats who continuously shut down government think their own paychecks are more important than the members of the Coast Guard and TSA agents who keep families safe every single day?” This sentiment underscores the criticism directed at Congress members during the shutdown.
Senator Jon Husted stated, “I cannot in good conscience accept a paycheck while TSA officers, FEMA personnel and Coast Guard members are about to miss theirs.” His commitment to withholding his salary reflects a growing call for accountability among lawmakers during government shutdowns.
What's Next: Ongoing Negotiations
As negotiations continue between Democrats and the White House regarding DHS funding, the situation remains fluid. The outcome of these discussions will determine the future of both the government shutdown and the financial status of federal employees affected by the impasse.
