A government shutdown has now stretched into its 35th day, affecting countless federal workers—from air traffic controllers to military personnel—who are either missing their paychecks or only receiving part of their salaries. Meanwhile, members of Congress remain constitutionally mandated to receive their pay, causing a growing sense of discontent among lawmakers and the public alike. In response, Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana is taking a stand through proposed legislation that seeks to link Congressional pay to the shutdown’s status.
Kennedy’s two bills aim to ensure that Congress shares the burden with those who are currently affected.
“I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips,” he stated. His legislation proposes that lawmakers would forgo pay for each day the government is unable to function. Given that members of Congress typically earn around $174,000 annually, this legislation serves as a strong statement against ongoing government inaction. By suggesting that lawmakers should “feel the same pain” as those they represent, Kennedy emphasizes the notion of accountability during this costly impasse.
However, Kennedy’s initiative encounters a significant roadblock: the U.S. Constitution. According to Article I, Section 6, legislators are entitled to compensation that can only be altered through law. The ratification of the 27th Amendment in 1992 complicates matters further, as it prohibits Congress from modifying its pay during the current congressional term. Thus, Kennedy has introduced another bill, the “Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act,” which aims to sidestep the constraints of the 27th Amendment. Instead of reducing pay, this act would place Congressional salaries in escrow until after the November 2026 elections—a mechanism intended to maintain constitutional integrity while still holding lawmakers responsible.
Other legislators have joined the effort to reassess the pay structure during the shutdown. For instance, Rep. Bryan Steil from Wisconsin supports Kennedy’s approach, asserting that if essential federal workers are laboring without compensation, Congress should not be exempt. Similarly, Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio is pushing forward a tax measure that parallels Kennedy’s proposal, increasing taxes for each day the Senate is in session during the shutdown period. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham from South Carolina has proposed a constitutional amendment for forfeiting pay altogether, redirecting those funds to the U.S. Treasury to help reduce national debt. Such proposals reflect a growing frustration with how the shutdown is being handled and highlight a willingness among some lawmakers to reexamine their compensation in light of their constituents’ struggles.
The discord over Congressional pay during a shutdown serves as a critical focal point in the ongoing debate about government accountability. As representatives grapple with their financial privileges amidst the challenges facing federal employees, proposals like Kennedy’s continue to call attention to the integrity of governance and the necessity of shared sacrifices. Amidst these ongoing discussions, one truth remains clear: the stakes for both members of Congress and their constituents have never been higher.
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