December 3, 2025
Mr. Kennedy submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration
Withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.
Section 1. Withholding pay of Senators during Government shutdowns
(a) Definitions
In this section—
(1)
the term Government shutdown means a lapse in appropriations for 1 or more Federal agencies or departments; and
(2)
the term Secretary of the Senate means the Secretary of the Senate, or an employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate who is designated by the Secretary to carry out the requirements of this section.
(b) Withholding Senators' pay if Government shutdown occurs
(1) Withholding payments
During any period in which a Government shutdown is in effect, the Secretary of the Senate shall disburse and hold any payments otherwise required to be made with respect to such period for the compensation of each Senator.
(2) Release of payments
The Secretary of the Senate shall release to each Senator any payments held under paragraph (1) with respect to a Government shutdown as soon as practicable after the date on which the Government shutdown ends.
(c) Effective date
This section shall apply on and after the day after the date of the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2026.