Congress Still Paid During Government Shutdown
With a federal funding lapse set to begin Oct. 1, 2025, CBS News explains that members of Congress will continue to draw salaries because Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution and a permanent appropriation (in place since 1983) require their pay be paid out of the Treasury regardless of annual appropriations. The piece also details that the president's salary is constitutionally protected, while federal employees, contractors and many congressional staff face furloughs or delayed pay under the Antideficiency Act.
Politics
Government
🔍 Key Facts
- Shutdown scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2025 unless Congress passes a funding measure.
- Members of Congress are paid from a permanent appropriation (since 1983) and typical salaries are $174,000 for most members; Speaker $223,500; president pro tempore and party leaders $193,400.
- The president's $400,000 salary is constitutionally protected; the Antideficiency Act requires agencies to furlough non-excepted employees and stops most spending during a lapse.