John Cornyn Backs Bill to Cut Congressional Pay During Shutdowns

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) is supporting new legislation that would block members of Congress from receiving paychecks during government shutdowns, framing the effort as a matter of accountability to taxpayers.

Sen. Cornyn cosponsored the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act, led by John Kennedy, which would prohibit lawmakers from being paid during any lapse in federal funding.

"If an everyday American fails to meet the requirements of their job, they don't earn a paycheck," said Cornyn. "If Representatives and Senators can't perform a fundamental duty of Congress that Americans elected them to do - funding the government - they shouldn't earn a paycheck either."

The bill defines a government shutdown as any lapse in funding affecting one or more federal agencies and would suspend congressional pay for the duration of that period.

Supporters argue the measure is intended to pressure lawmakers to avoid prolonged funding standoffs, which can disrupt federal services, delay pay for government workers, and create broader economic uncertainty.

The legislation previously advanced out of the Senate Rules Committee with unanimous support, signaling bipartisan interest at the committee level. However, it has since stalled after being blocked from a full vote on the Senate floor by Democrats.

Cornyn's backing of the bill comes amid ongoing tensions in Washington over federal spending and funding deadlines, with shutdown threats continuing to loom during contentious budget negotiations.

While the proposal faces an uncertain path forward, Cornyn and his allies argue that tying congressional pay to government funding performance could add urgency to negotiations and reduce the likelihood of future shutdowns.