Senate Moves Forward With Plan to Freeze Lawmakers’ Pay During Shutdowns

In a unanimous 99-0 procedural vote Wednesday, the Senate advanced a resolution that would withhold senators’ pay during federal government shutdowns, Lalee Ibssa reported for ABC News.

If enacted, the bill would direct the secretary of the Senate to suspend senators’ paychecks during future government shutdowns.

Pete Ricketts did not vote on the measure, which was introduced by John Kennedy.

The legislation now moves toward final passage and is expected to receive broad bipartisan support.

If enacted after the November 2026 election, the bill would direct the secretary of the Senate to suspend senators’ paychecks during future government shutdowns. Lawmakers would receive their withheld compensation only after the government reopens.

Similar proposals have been introduced in the House of Representatives, though it remains uncertain whether companion legislation will pass.

“Take your brain with you, because this is about shared sacrifice. This is about putting our money where our mouth is,” Kennedy said on the Senate floor before the vote.