HYDE-SMITH SUPPORTS RESOLUTION TO WITHHOLD SENATORS’ PAY DURING GOVT. SHUTDOWNS
Senate Rules Committee Advances Measure to Make Future Government Shutdowns Less Appealing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today supported a resolution that would keep Senators from receiving a paycheck during any full or partial government shutdown.
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Rules Committee that voted Thursday to advance S.Res.526, a resolution authored by U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) that would withhold all Senators’ pay during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments.
“More than a few of my colleagues seemed a little too comfortable during the recent Schumer Shutdown. That’s understandable because they didn’t have any personal skin in the game. Senator Kennedy’s resolution would change that. This rules change would certainly make going without pay, like so many federal workers and our congressional staff did, less appealing for Senators,” Hyde-Smith said.
During the historic 43-day Schumer Shutdown, members of Congress received pay pursuant to the 27th Amendment that prohibits increases or decreases in member salaries until after the next general election. In contrast, federal workers, congressional staff, and government contractors went unpaid.
To avoid conflicts with the 27th Amendment, S.Res.526 would not take effect until the November 2026 general elections. Additionally, Senators would receive missed pay when a partial or full government shutdown ends.
The resolution, which was approved on a voice vote, is now available for consideration by the full Senate.
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