All but four congressional Democrats opposed a Republican-backed funding bill that would have prevented a government shutdown. Since then, many have expressed regret that millions of federal employees will miss paychecks until the government reopens—while lawmakers themselves are able to continue receiving theirs. By law, members of Congress are still paid during a shutdown, unlike military personnel and other federal workers. However, they have the option to defer their paychecks or donate their salaries, which begin at $174,000 annually.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, some lawmakers have responded to public criticism by requesting that their pay be withheld until the government reopens, but others, especially those highlighting federal worker hardships, have not taken similar action or have rejected the idea outright.
Several Democrats who have criticized Republicans over the pay issue have either refused to delay their own salaries or have not stated any intention of doing so.
For example, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), while actively opposing the White House budget proposal in media appearances, stated that forfeiting his congressional pay is not feasible due to family responsibilities. “I’m not wealthy, and I have three kids. I would basically be missing, you know, mortgage payments, rent payments, child support,” Gallego told NBC News. “So it’s not feasible, not gonna happen.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), earning $193,400 annually, avoided saying whether he would forgo his pay, suggesting it is an individual decision and expressing hope that the shutdown will be resolved swiftly. “First of all, that question is not even a right one because we’re anticipating that this shutdown issue will be resolved,” he said.
Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) was “transparent” about Congress members still receiving pay and has not indicated plans to defer. “They make you be broke until they get they [sic] stuff together,” she said, adding, “And to be clear, members of Congress—we still get paid. I just want to put that out there because I like to be fully transparent.”
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have highlighted the shutdown’s impact on military pay but, as of the time of publication, have not committed to deferring their own salaries. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) publicly blamed Republicans for the shutdown’s continuation but has not pledged to donate or defer his salary. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) noted hardships for federal workers in a video statement but also has not indicated any intent to withhold his own pay.
