Louisiana Senator Introduces Two Bills To Stop Congress Paychecks During Shutdown

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - Two bills that would prohibit Congressmen from receiving their salaries during a government shutdown were introduced by Louisiana Senator John Kennedy.

This comes as the current shutdown has now become the longest government shutdown in American history. Federal employees have already lost out on wages as a result of it.

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KPLC is reporting that the two bills are called the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act and the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act.

Senator Kennedy had this to say while proposing the bills:

I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips. My bills ensure Congress feels the same pain as the folks we’re failing to pay, our troops, air traffic controllers, and federal workers. If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck, plain and simple.

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The No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act prohibits members of Congress from receiving compensation during a federal shutdown, according to Sen. Kennedy's office. Additionally, it keeps politicians from receiving back pay.

Payroll administrators for Congress would be required by the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act to hold lawmakers' paychecks in escrow during a government shutdown. The money would only be distributed at the beginning of the following Congress, according to Senator Kennedy's office.