Shutdown Scofflaws: Which Senators Are Still Cashing In?

**Senate Salaries in Limbo: Amid Shutdown, Some Lawmakers Forgo Pay, Others Point Fingers**

Shutdown Scofflaws: Which Senators Are Still Cashi...

As the federal government shutdown continues to impact federal workers across the nation, a growing number of U.S. Senators are taking a stand – or at least, a symbolic one – regarding their own paychecks. According to an ABC News tally, at least 55 senators, a bipartisan mix of 26 Republicans, 28 Democrats, and one independent, are either donating their salaries or refusing to accept them during the shutdown.

While the Constitution guarantees Congressional pay

While the Constitution guarantees Congressional pay regardless of government closures, the decision to forgo compensation has become a visible demonstration of solidarity with furloughed federal employees and those working without pay. However, the issue has also become entangled in the partisan blame game that defines the shutdown itself.

Senators from both sides of the aisle are using their salary decisions to highlight what they see as the other party's culpability. Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, for example, publicly announced she was having her pay withheld, blaming Democrats for the shutdown and urging them to follow suit. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, echoing a similar sentiment, stated he would not accept pay "in solidarity with America's federal workers," while simultaneously urging Republicans to "meet us at the table."

The destinations of the forfeited salaries vary. Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, is donating her pay to health care causes and Meals on Wheels. Republican Senator Ashley Moody of Florida is giving hers to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, while Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, is donating to the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund. Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is donating to the Joseph Project, a job placement program he helped create.

However, not all senators are participating

However, not all senators are participating in the salary protest. Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, publicly stated that foregoing his paycheck was not feasible, citing his personal financial obligations, including rent, mortgage, and child support. He described such gestures as "gimmicks" that don't genuinely help people.

This sentiment highlights a crucial point: while the symbolic gesture of refusing or donating a salary can be powerful, it's not a universally viable option. Many members of Congress are not independently wealthy and rely on their $174,000 annual salary. As Professor Burgat explained, the issue is complex, often intertwined with political messaging aimed at constituents. The shutdown, and the accompanying salary debate, continues to expose the deep divisions and financial realities within the halls of Congress.