Senators Propose Bills to Withhold Pay During Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham announced Tuesday that he will introduce a constitutional amendment aimed at preventing members of Congress from receiving their paychecks during government shutdowns. Graham criticized both major political parties for engaging in ‘petty political games’ that have resulted in government closures.

According to Graham, lawmakers should share the burden of a shutdown, particularly when federal workers and service members are affected. Under the current U.S. Constitution, Congress members are entitled to their salaries regardless of government operations. His proposed amendment seeks to change this, redirecting those funds to the U.S. Treasury to alleviate national debt.

“This amendment would bar Members of Congress from receiving a paycheck for the duration of a shutdown,” Graham stated. “This is the most constitutionally sound way to deal with this problem.”

The announcement comes as the Senate rejected a House-passed Republican funding bill for the 14th time, marking an ongoing shutdown that has now tied a record at 35 days. Thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or forced to work without pay, while Congress members continue to receive their salaries.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has also introduced two bills that aim to halt congressional paychecks during any government shutdown. The No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act would ensure that Congress members do not receive any pay during these periods.

“If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck – plain and simple,” Kennedy said, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to feel the same impact as the federal employees they oversee.

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) supports Kennedy’s efforts, stating, “There is no reason our government should be shut down. If service members and essential employees are working without pay, then Congress should not be paid either.”

As the shutdown continues, some lawmakers have voluntarily asked for their salaries to be withheld. Yet, legislative measures to enforce this restriction on all members of Congress are gaining momentum.

Graham’s planned constitutional amendment faces the requirement of a two-thirds majority for approval in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states. This highlights the difficulty of enacting such changes in government pay structures during shutdowns.