No Work, No Pay: The Debate Over Congressional Salaries During Government Shutdown

As the federal government officially shuts down, many Americans are asking: Should members of Congress still get paid while everyday workers go without?

The House of Representatives recently passed a bill to keep the government running until November 21, 2025. However, it still requires additional support in the Senate, where only two Democrats and one Independent have voted in favor. Until more lawmakers agree, the shutdown continues.

During this time, Representative Eli Crane has requested that his paycheck be withheld. He says it’s wrong to take a salary while others are furloughed or waiting for their pay.

Constitutional Amendment

Eli Crane is also supporting a constitutional amendment proposed by Congressman Ralph Norman that would ban lawmakers from receiving pay during shutdowns and prevent them from receiving back pay afterward.

“Members of Congress have a constitutional duty to fund the government’s essential functions,” explained Ralph Norman. “If Congress fails to meet that obligation, we should not expect taxpayers to continue paying us for inaction.”

“When families, small businesses, and workers fall short, they don’t have the luxury of collecting a paycheck for unfinished work. Washington ought to be no different,” he continued. 

New Polling

Many Americans agree, as a new YouGov poll released by Americans for Prosperity (AFP) shows that:

• 61% believe shutdowns hurt Congress’s ability to lead.
• 87% of seniors want lawmakers to stay in Washington until a deal is made.
• Voters from both parties support reforms aimed at preventing shutdowns.

Brent Gardner, a spokesperson for AFP, explained that “the vast majority of Americans expect lawmakers to pass a budget and keep the government open… No one wins when the government shuts down.”

AFP is advocating for the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would require Congress to remain in session and automatically extend funding during negotiations.

Partisan Divide

Some officials, like Secretary Marco Rubio, blame Democrats for the shutdown, explaining that “Congressional Democrats chose to shut down the government. Their partisan actions are undermining America on the world stage and jeopardizing our national security.”

Republicans argue they’ve already done their part by passing a continuing resolution in the House, but claim Democrats are refusing to negotiate without adding $1.5 trillion in extra spending.

Meanwhile, Americans are making one thing clear: they want their government to work, and they want elected officials held to the same standards as everyone else.