Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns
The measure takes effect after the 2026 election and withholds senators’ pay during shutdowns, while still allowing back pay once funding resumes.
- On Thursday, Senators unanimously approved a resolution to withhold their pay during future government shutdowns. The measure, sponsored by Senator John Kennedy, R-La., requires the Secretary of the Senate to hold compensation until funding is restored.
- Record-Breaking impasses over the past 16 months prompted the move, as two recent shutdowns—a 43-day total government lapse and a 44-day Department of Homeland Security closure—created significant financial hardship for federal workers.
- Kennedy stated the bill ensures "shared sacrifice" during shutdowns, and the resolution takes effect after the November 3 general election without requiring House approval or presidential signature.
- Senator Lindsey Graham previously proposed a constitutional amendment to mandate pay forfeiture, calling it "constitutionally sound," though he found the process too laborious. Kennedy declined to extend the measure to the House, citing tensions between chambers.
- Senators will receive full back pay once funding is restored, aligning the Senate with standard treatment of federal workers who typically receive compensation after shutdowns end.
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71 Articles
Senate Unanimously Votes to Withhold Lawmakers’ Pay During Government Shutdowns
Senators unanimously approved a resolution Thursday to withhold their pay during government shutdowns, an attempt to make federal closures financially painful for lawmakers after a string of record-breaking impasses in the past year. The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who […]
Senate approves John Kennedy’s measure to freeze member pay during shutdowns
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy speaks to reporters during a vote at the U.S. Capitol on April 13, 2026. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved a resolution Thursday that will prevent lawmakers in that chamber from receiving their paychecks during any government shutdowns that begin after this year’s midterm elections. The voice vote on the measure from Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy will not impact members in…
US Senate votes to freeze members’ pay during future shutdowns
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy speaks to reporters during a vote at the U.S. Capitol on April 13, 2026. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved a resolution Thursday that will prevent lawmakers in that chamber from receiving their paychecks during any government shutdowns that begin after this year’s midterm elections. The voice vote on the measure from Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy will not impact members in…
American senators agreed on Thursday to suspend their payments in the event of budget paralysis, according to the model of federal officials affected by these so-called "shutdowns", very unpopular among the public opinion in the US, reports AFP.
When Congress fails to adopt a budget before the deadline, the federal state enters into budgetary paralysis and officials are not paid for this blockage all the time.
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