Senators agree to forgo shutdown paychecks — but many won't feel the pain
The Senate unanimously agreed to forgo pay during future government shutdowns, aiming to align lawmakers' interests with furloughed federal workers. However, many senators are already millionaires, so the financial impact may be minimal. Senator James Lankford acknowledged the move won't prevent future shutdowns but hopes it encourages compromise.
- ▪The Senate passed a rule to withhold lawmakers' pay during government shutdowns until funding is restored.
- ▪Senator John Kennedy, R-La., championed the resolution to dock senators' pay during shutdowns.
- ▪Nearly three-quarters of U.S. senators are millionaires, according to financial disclosure data analyzed by Fox News Digital.
- ▪The U.S. government experienced two shutdowns in the past year, lasting 43 and 76 days respectively.
- ▪Senator James Lankford stated the pay forfeiture does not guarantee an end to future government shutdowns.
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Congress Senators agree to forgo shutdown paychecks — but many won't feel the pain 'It certainly doesn't stop future shutdowns,' Senator James Lankford lamented By Alex Miller Fox News Published May 16, 2026 8:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video GOP Senator blasts political weaponization of government and ‘payback’ that Democrats are anticipating Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., condemns former President Joe Biden and Susan Rice for targeting political opposition. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Senators will now go without pay during future government shutdowns, but for many, they don’t need the paycheck.
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