Lawmakers Forgo Pay Amid Government Shutdown
A growing number of U.S. lawmakers from both parties have asked the House Chief Administrative Officer to withhold their pay during the partial federal government shutdown that has lasted nearly a week. Republicans such as Reps. Chip Roy and Ashley Hinson and Democrats including Josh Gottheimer and Lou Correa requested withholding; the article notes constitutional and statutory limits (Article I and the 27th Amendment) mean members cannot permanently forgo salary and any withheld amounts are treated administratively and disbursed as back pay once funding is restored.
Politics
Government
📌 Key Facts
- Several House members (Chip Roy, Ashley Hinson, Tom Barrett, Mariannette Miller‑Meeks, Rob Bresnahan) sent requests to the House Chief Administrative Officer to withhold their pay during the shutdown.
- Some senators (Lindsey Graham, Ashley Moody) said they would donate paychecks for the duration; most congressional members' base pay is $174,000 per year.
- Legal constraints cited: Article I of the Constitution and the 27th Amendment prevent changing or permanently foregoing congressional compensation; withholding is administratively possible but results in back pay when government reopens.