FBI Congress

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., speaks during the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing on Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Washington.

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Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns

Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns

Senators have unanimously approved a resolution to withhold their pay during government shutdowns. Lawmakers said the measure approved Thursday would discourage future funding standoffs after a series of record-breaking shutdowns. The proposal requires the secretary of the Senate to hold senators’ salaries during shutdowns and release the money once funding resumes. It'll take effect the day after the Nov. 3 general election but doesn't apply to the House. Republican Sen. John Kennedy, the bill’s sponsor, says the measure ensures lawmakers share the burden faced by unpaid federal workers. Senators earn an annual salary of $174,000, but many are independently wealthy.