GOP Senator Pushes to Cut Congressional Pay During Shutdown, Warns Stalemate Could Drag On

Senator John Kennedy isn’t buying the rumors that a government funding deal is close. On the Senate floor Wednesday, the Louisiana Republican said he believes the shutdown — now at 37 days and counting — will “go on a while longer.” And he wants lawmakers to feel the consequences.

To drive that point home, Kennedy introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at slashing or withholding congressional pay until the government reopens.

The first, titled the “No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act,” would eliminate pay for members of Congress during any shutdown, with no chance of receiving back pay once government operations resume.

The second, the “Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act,” would instead place those paychecks in escrow until the shutdown ends — meaning lawmakers would still eventually get paid, but not while federal employees go without.

Kennedy acknowledged potential constitutional challenges under the 27th Amendment, which bars changes to congressional compensation from taking effect until after the next election. But he said that’s why he’s offering two “flavors” of bills — one to test the limits directly, and another to work around them.

“If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck — plain and simple,” Kennedy said.

The Republican senator took aim at Democrats who have admitted that the suffering of federal workers could be used as “leverage.” He singled out House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), who previously said that although shutdowns are painful, they present rare negotiating power for her party.

“I, unlike some of my Democratic colleagues, don’t see missed paychecks or empty dinner plates as bargaining chips,” Kennedy said.

He added that his bills are about fairness — making sure lawmakers feel the same pain as those impacted by the shutdown, including military families, air traffic controllers, and other federal workers.

Kennedy also referenced prior support for similar legislation during the Obama administration, noting that even President Obama backed a measure that threatened congressional pay during a 2013 standoff.

At the moment, there’s no clear sign of a breakthrough on Capitol Hill. And with pressure mounting from labor unions, airport chaos, and disruptions to food aid programs, Kennedy’s bills could become a symbolic test of which lawmakers are truly willing to share in the sacrifice.