Reed Votes to Suspend Pay of All U.S. Senators During a Federal Shutdown & Urges House to Follow Suit

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the full U.S. Senate voted to adopt a resolution to suspend the pay of U.S. Senators during future government shutdowns. U.S. Senator Jack Reed supported the resolution ( S.Res. 526 ), which would delay paying U.S. Senators if there is a future funding lapse for any federal agency, starting after November’s midterm elections. “The federal government should work for the people it serves and avoid costly shutdowns. If federal workers are required to be on the job without a paycheck, then members of Congress should lead by example and share in that sacrifice. The Senate is taking a positive step and I hope Speaker Johnson will follow suit and pass a similar resolution that applies to the House,” said Senator Reed, who has already routinely utilized this system of forgoing his paycheck and having it held during prolonged shutdowns. Under the Constitution, members of Congress and the president continue to be paid during federal government shutdowns. The Senate resolution only applies to members of the U.S. Senate and does not need to be approved by the House or signed by President Trump. The resolution cannot take effect until after November mid-term election because of the 27th Amendment, which prohibits any law that alters the salaries of members of Congress until after the next election of the U.S. House of Representatives.