Senate advances legislation to withhold pay from senators during government shutdowns
In a unanimous 99-0 vote, the Senate on Wednesday advanced a resolution to withhold senators’ pay during a government shutdown. Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts did not vote on the resolution, which was introduced by Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana.
The vote was procedural. The legislation now moves toward final passage and is expected to pass with strong support.
The measure would take effect after the November 2026 election and would direct the secretary of the Senate to hold senators’ paychecks for the duration of any future federal government shutdowns. The pay would be released only after the government reopens.
Several similar House bills have been introduced, but it is unclear whether any will pass in the lower chamber.
