Senate moves to withhold lawmakers' pay in future shutdowns

The Senate approved a resolution to bar its members from receiving pay during future government shutdowns, a move pushed by Sen. John Kennedy in response to two recent shutdowns (a 43-day federal shutdown in 2025 and a 76-day Homeland Security shutdown earlier this year). The measure, which passed by voice vote and would take effect in November after the midterms, does not require House approval or the president and is considered binding only on senators. Some lawmakers questioned its constitutionality, though Kennedy argues it’s not unconstitutional, and Senate leaders like Chuck Schumer expressed support while it remains unclear whether the House would adopt a similar pay-withholding rule.