Why It Matters
Senate leaders have scheduled a vote on whether to halt congressional salaries during government shutdowns, a move aimed at curbing a political tactic that has led to multiple funding crises during President Donald Trump’s second term. The measure reflects growing Republican frustration with recurring shutdown threats that have disrupted federal operations and strained negotiations over spending priorities.
What Happened
Senate Majority Leader John Thune set up a vote on a resolution from Senator John Kennedy that would prevent senators from receiving pay during any government shutdown. Kennedy confirmed he pressed Thune to bring the measure to the floor as lawmakers prepare to fund immigration operations for the next three and a half years, a plan necessitated by the most recent shutdown.
The straightforward proposal is one of several initiatives lawmakers are considering to either prevent shutdowns entirely or create additional political pressure against them. The vote was scheduled as the Senate returned to session on Monday.
By the Numbers
Congress has faced four potential government closures during Trump’s second term alone. The recent shutdowns include the longest full shutdown in U.S. history and the longest partial closure on record. With midterm elections approaching in November, Republicans have expressed concern about additional shutdown scenarios.
Federal workers have been furloughed or forced to work without pay during these funding lapses, affecting agencies from the Department of Homeland Security to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Transportation Security Administration.
Zoom Out
Shutdowns have increasingly become a negotiating tool in congressional budget fights. Republican senators have characterized the Democratic approach to shutdown threats as a shift in how the tactic is deployed, with some accusing the minority party of using closures as political leverage in ways not previously seen.
Senator Eric Schmitt accused Senate Democrats of viewing shutdowns as political opportunities, warning that future closures could target different agencies or programs. He argued that mechanisms should be established to make the tactic more costly for whichever party initiates a shutdown.
What’s Next
The Senate will vote on Kennedy’s pay-suspension resolution in the coming days. Other Republican senators have introduced alternative proposals to address shutdown risks. Senator Ron Johnson is advancing the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would require working federal employees to receive pay during shutdowns.
Senator James Lankford has proposed the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would automatically fund the government in two-week increments until lawmakers reach a compromise funding agreement. Lankford said the goal is to allow policy disagreements to continue without halting federal programs or leaving workers unpaid.