Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana has announced plans to introduce two new bills aimed at addressing the ongoing government shutdown. Speaking on the Senate floor, Kennedy expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a quick resolution, stating, “I think we’re going to be in shutdown a while longer.” As the shutdown enters its 37th day, frustration is mounting among lawmakers and federal employees alike.
The first bill, titled the “No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act,” would stop pay for members of Congress during a government shutdown, with no chance for back pay once the government reopens. The second bill, called the “Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act,” proposes to place congressional salaries in escrow during the shutdown, releasing the funds only when the government resumes operations.
Kennedy believes these measures are necessary to hold Congress accountable. He pointed out that federal workers have already borrowed significant amounts of money—around $365 million—just to cover basic expenses like rent during the shutdown. He stated, “If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck—plain and simple.”
The senator referenced past instances where similar measures were proposed, particularly recalling President Barack Obama’s support for legislation that threatened to withhold pay from Congress if the government did not reopen by a certain date. Kennedy noted that such pressure led to a resolution in the past, suggesting that the same could happen again.
Kennedy’s proposals come amid a broader debate about the impact of the shutdown on everyday Americans, particularly federal employees and military personnel. He criticized some of his Democratic colleagues for viewing the suffering of families as leverage in negotiations, emphasizing his belief that only Congress should bear the consequences of a shutdown.
As the situation develops, Kennedy’s bills will be closely watched to see if they gain traction in Congress. The senator is determined to ensure that lawmakers feel the same financial strain as the federal workers they represent.
