Overview
- Sen. John Kennedy introduced the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act to exclude members’ salaries for any pay period that falls during a shutdown.
- Kennedy’s companion bill, the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act, would place salaries in escrow, with one version delaying access until after the November 2026 elections.
- Sen. Rick Scott sought unanimous consent to pass his No Budget, No Pay proposal, and Sen. Ed Markey objected while saying he has asked to defer his own salary.
- The shutdown has stretched into its sixth week, with many federal employees, service members, and congressional staff unpaid or only partially paid.
- Article I, Section 6 and the 27th Amendment restrict immediate changes to congressional compensation, driving the escrow approach and fueling procedural fights between the parties.