The federal government employs more than 2 million civilian employees and 1.4 million active duty military service members who do not get paid during a government shutdown. But members of Congress, who make $174,000 a year, continue receiving their regular salary.
That’s because Congress members’ compensation is written directly into the Constitution.
Congressional leadership earns even more than rank-and-file members. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., makes $223,500, while party leaders in both chambers earn $193,400. President Biden’s $400,000 salary works the same way; he’ll keep getting paid, too.
Straight Arrow News asked members if they should continue receiving paychecks during a shutdown.
“No,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said.
“Me neither,” Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., added.
“No,” Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., said..
Every lawmaker had an opportunity to put their money where their mouth is earlier in September when Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., introduced the McCarthy Shutdown Act. The act would have withheld member pay during an ongoing shutdown — it didn’t pass.
“It’s ridiculous that we still get paid while folks like TSA workers are asked to work without a paycheck,” Craig said in a statement.
During the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, more than 100 members of Congress rejected pay. They donated it to nonprofit organizations or told congressional administrators to withhold it.