U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has announced that he will forgo his paycheck until the Government shutdown is resolved.
In a social media post, Cruz blamed what he called "Senator Schumer's Shutdown," citing Democrat demands for expanded benefits.
"Due to Senator Schumer's Shutdown over his deranged demand that we provide free healthcare for illegal aliens and that we reverse the republican reforms blocking handouts to able-bodied adults who refuse to work. I have asked the Financial Clerk of the Senate to hold my salary," he shared on social media.
Due to Senator Schumer’s Shutdown over his deranged demand that we provide free healthcare for illegal aliens and that we reverse the Republican reforms blocking handouts to able-bodied adults who refuse to work, I have asked the Financial Clerk of the Senate to hold my salary. pic.twitter.com/dGTJMpg7Zl
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) October 1, 2025
The Texas Republican followed his remarks with a letter to Financial Clerk Gary Ruckner.
"Dear Mr. Ruckner: For the duration of the current lapse in appropriations, please hold my salary check for pickup in the Disbursing Office. It's not right for Members of Congress to be paid during a shotdown if our servicemembers aren't," Cruz wrote.
The senator's decision highlights the need for Congress to resolve the stalemate, as millions of federal workers and military families brace for the economic fallout of a prolonged shutdown.
So far, Cruz has been the only senator to make the decision to go without his salary during the duration of the government shutdown.
