Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has committed to holding a vote on legislation that would block senators from receiving pay during government shutdowns. The measure, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), would withhold senators' pay until a lapse in government funding ends. The resolution cleared the Senate Rules Committee unanimously in December and is set for a procedural vote on Wednesday.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Senate is preparing to vote on a bipartisan measure that would prevent senators from being paid during government shutdowns. The legislation, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), has gained support from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), who committed to scheduling a vote. The measure cleared the Senate Rules Committee unanimously in December, signaling bipartisan support. However, previous attempts by Kennedy to pass the bill by unanimous consent were blocked by Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Background on the Legislation
The two-page bill directs the secretary of the Senate to withhold senators' pay until a lapse in government funding ends. It would take effect after the 2026 elections. The measure is designed to address the political optics of lawmakers receiving paychecks while their staffers and other federal workers go without pay. This circumstance is due to a quirk in the Constitution and a permanent allocation for lawmakers’ salaries dating back to 1983.
Political Context and Reactions
Sen. Kennedy has been pushing for the legislation during the last two government shutdowns. Thune described the measure as an "additional incentive" to avoid future shutdowns. The legislation is one of several proposals introduced by rank-and-file members this Congress. Another measure, from Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), would require that federal workers receive pay during a shutdown if they are considered "essential" workers.
Broader Implications
The Senate is also gearing up to fund immigration operations for the next three and a half years, a route they are taking as a result of the most recent shutdown. Shutdowns have become a common tool over the last year and a half, with Congress on the precipice of closure four times during President Donald Trump’s second term. The measure is seen as a political option of last resort in the midst of ongoing shutdown threats.