Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has introduced two bills aimed at withholding pay from Members of Congress during federal government shutdowns. The legislation comes amid ongoing debates about congressional accountability when budget impasses lead to lapses in appropriations.
The first bill, titled the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act, would prevent lawmakers from receiving their salaries during any period when the government is shut down. It also specifies that members will not receive back pay once the government reopens.
The second measure, known as the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act (S.3057), requires payroll administrators for both chambers of Congress to place members’ paychecks into escrow accounts during a shutdown. These funds would only be released at the start of the next Congress.
“I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips. My bills ensure Congress feels the same pain as the folks we’re failing to pay – our troops, air traffic controllers, and federal workers. If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck – plain and simple,” said Kennedy.
A companion version of the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act was introduced in the House by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-1), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on House Administration.
“There is no reason our government should be shut down. Senate Democrats must do the right thing and vote to reopen the government. 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,” said Steil.
Further details about these legislative efforts can be found in Fox News Digital at https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-introduces-bill-blocking-members-congress-getting-paid-during-government-shutdowns.
The full text for both bills is available online: No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act at https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3056/text and Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act at https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3057/text.
