Democrats are refusing to give up their paychecks as long as the shutdown continues, demanding to get paid while voting against reopening the government
Republicans put legislation on the table to give up their Congressional salaries for as long as the shutdown continues.
The move led by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) aims to make sure elected officials share in the financial pain that furloughed federal workers are feeling.
However, democrats under Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, will not vote to advance the legislation, and refuse to give up their paychecks.
The standoff traces back to October 1, when the senate, under Schumer, repeatedly rejected a clean continuing resolution passed by the Republican-led House – to keep the government open.
Republicans argue that the proposal would incentivize the democrats to vote to end the shutdown that’s impacting about 2.7 million federal personnel
Sen. Graham’s Constitutional Amendment would mandate that all members of Congress forfeit their paychecks during any shutdown, with the withheld funds redirected to reduce the national debt or support furloughed workers.
Sen. John Kennedy’s Act would prorate and deduct congressional salaries based on each day of the shutdown, effectively slashing annual pay – currently set at $174,000 for rank-and-file members – by the duration of the impasse.
