Senators vote to withhold their own pay during future government shutdowns

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 12:22 PM EDT, May 14, 2026


WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators unanimously approved a resolution Thursday to withhold their pay during government shutdowns, an attempt to make federal closures financially painful for lawmakers after a string of record-breaking impasses in the past year.

The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.

Under the resolution, senators’ pay would be withheld by the secretary of the Senate whenever a government shutdown affects one or more agencies, then released once funding is restored. It will take effect the day after the Nov. 3 general election.

“Shutting down government should not be our default solution to our refusal to work out our issues and our differences,” said Sen. John Kennedy, the bill’s sponsor, in a floor speech Wednesday.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/senate-pay-shutdown-withhold-government-face16eac3196ad4c3bedf3d699be87f

[Walleye]

1. What the senators are really saying is they don't need this salary it's just peanuts to them

[erronis]

2. Came here to say the same. There are perhaps a few that will feel the pinch. No (r)epuglicons, tho.

[Walleye]

3. I am spoiled. For years, our senator was Joe Biden. Honest ethical and not moneygrubbing.

I think he didn’t even stock the whole time he was in Congress

[ImNotGod]

4. In the meantime they should be paid with rubles since the majority plus one turncoat work for russia, nt

[erronis]

6. See how many loaves of bread you can buy komrade. Forget the caviar.

[TBF]

5. More manipulation -

Congress knows full well that the country is done w/this regime. There will be massive anti-incumbent voting this midterm. "Oh, look at us - we're not so bad" (ie damage control) is in full swing.

[IbogaProject]

7. Now Congress and Senior Executive office holders

[Miguelito Loveless]

8. Given the fact that most senators are millionairs or better

This is performative.

[bluestarone]

9. WHOOPY fucking DO! How about stopping

WAGES, HEALTHCARE, plus no WITHDRAWALS from ur bank accounts?

[ChicagoTeamster]

10. They're only doing it because it's an election year

[question everything]

11. They are actually doing something right

[GenThePerservering]

12. Bipartisan, folks

I wonder if the Democrats decided on this and the repugs had to go along with it or look bad (or badder).