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10h ago

Government Shutdown Prompts Lawmakers to Ask for Withheld Pay Despite Guaranteed Salaries

Roughly 750,000 federal employees face furloughs, sharpening scrutiny of congressional compensation.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 21: (L-R) House Freedom Caucus members Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) leave the office of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) during ongoing negotiations between House leadership, the White House and the House Freedom Caucus on the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" at the U.S. Capitol Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House Rules Committee continues to debate President Trump's tax and economic reform package as House Republicans attempt to bring the bill to the floor sometime this week for a vote. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) walks down the steps of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol Building on July 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives has adjourned early for August recess to avoid putting Republicans in a position where they must vote on Democratic-sponsored motions concerning the Jeffrey Epstein files. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The funding lapse began Oct. 1 after President Trump and Congress failed to reach a deal before the deadline.
  • Article I, Section 6 guarantees member pay and the 27th Amendment bars immediate changes, so salaries continue unless altered after an election.
  • Multiple lawmakers have requested withheld pay or pledged donations, including all four House members from Iowa, Wisconsin Republicans Glenn Grothman and Tony Wied, and Sen. Lindsey Graham.
  • New commitments continued overnight, with Nebraska Sen. Debra Fischer asking to pause her checks and Arizona figures splitting as Rep. Juan Ciscomani sought withholding, Sen. Ruben Gallego said he would keep his pay, and Rep. Yassamin Ansari pledged to donate hers.
  • Sen. Rick Scott says he will advance legislation to stop member pay during shutdowns as similar proposals resurface, though constitutional and procedural obstacles make quick changes unlikely.