Cornyn Supports Bill to Prohibit Lawmakers from Receiving a Paycheck during Government Shutdowns

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Cornyn Supports Bill to Prohibit Lawmakers from Receiving a Paycheck during Government Shutdowns

March 24, 2026

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) cosponsored the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act, which would ensure Members of Congress do not receive a paycheck during a government shutdown:

“If an everyday American fails to meet the requirements of their job, they don’t earn a paycheck,” said Sen. Cornyn. “If Representatives and Senators can’t perform a fundamental duty of Congress that Americans elected them to do – funding the government – they shouldn’t earn a paycheck either, and I’m proud to join with Senator Kennedy on this legislation.”

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) is leading this legislation, which passed unanimously out of the Senate Rules Committee but was blocked by Senate Democrats from passing the Senate.

Background:

The No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act would prevent Members of Congress from receiving a paycheck during a government shutdown and define a shutdown as any lapse in funding for one or more federal agencies.