Senator Kennedy's Bills to Withhold Congressional Pay During Government Shutdowns

Proposed Legislation to Address Government Shutdowns

• 🏛️ Senator John Kennedy is introducing two bills aimed at preventing Members of Congress from receiving their paychecks during a government shutdown.
• 🚫 The first bill, the "No Shutdown Paychecks Act," would stop congressional pay entirely for the duration of a shutdown, with no possibility of back pay.
• 🔒 The second bill, the "Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act," addresses potential 27th Amendment concerns by escrowing congressional pay during a shutdown, to be released only after the government reopens.

Rationale and Precedent

• ⏳ The senator notes the current shutdown has lasted 36 days, with ongoing rumors of an imminent agreement that he believes are not yet close to reality.
• 📉 He highlights the financial hardship faced by federal employees, including borrowing money for rent and partial payments to military personnel and air traffic controllers.
• 📜 Kennedy cites a precedent from 2013 when President Obama supported similar legislation, which led to Congress reopening the government.

Call to Action

• 🗳️ These bills will be brought before the Senate for a vote, allowing members to vote "yay" or "nay."
• ⚖️ The senator emphasizes that "what's good for the goose is good for the gander," implying that if other federal employees are not paid, lawmakers should not be either.