The federal government shutdown has entered its third day, and Republicans are moving to make sure Washington elites finally feel the pain in their wallets.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) announced his plan to introduce the SHUTDOWN Act—short for Stop Holding Up Taxpayers, Deny Wages On Washington’s Negligence. The proposal would impose a new “salary tax” directly on members of Congress, docking their pay for every day they allow the government to remain closed.
Washington Politicians Keep Getting Paid
Unlike millions of federal workers who face furloughs or delayed paychecks, lawmakers are still guaranteed their six-figure salaries. Members of Congress earn around $174,000 a year, with leaders making more. Under the Constitution and the 27th Amendment, they cannot simply stop their own pay during a shutdown.
But Moreno says that’s wrong—and his new plan is designed to hold them accountable.
“It’s absurd that Democrats such as Hakeem Jeffries expect a paycheck while the government is shut down,” Moreno told Fox News Digital. “If Congress can’t even handle the basics, then we have no business collecting a salary.”
Democrats Block GOP Funding Bill
The shutdown shows no signs of ending. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer (D-NY), are refusing to pass the House-approved short-term funding extension unless Republicans agree to extend Obamacare tax credits.
Republicans argue Democrats are putting partisan politics above the needs of the American people. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has vowed to keep pushing the measure until more Democrats break ranks. So far, only three—John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (I-ME)—have joined Republicans to vote for it.
Why Moreno’s Bill Matters for Taxpayers
Moreno’s proposal sidesteps constitutional roadblocks by creating a daily tax on lawmakers’ paychecks that rises with each passing day of a shutdown. In other words: the longer they refuse to govern, the less money they take home.
For seniors, taxpayers, and hardworking Americans, this bill represents a long-overdue move to bring accountability to Washington. No more free rides for politicians while everyday families struggle.
Key Questions Readers Are Asking
- Do lawmakers still get paid during a shutdown? Yes. Under Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution, congressional salaries are guaranteed—even when government workers go without.
- How much do members of Congress make? The average is $174,000 per year, with leaders making even more.
- Could Moreno’s plan actually work? By taxing—not canceling—paychecks, it may bypass the 27th Amendment and deliver real consequences to lawmakers.
