Senator Kennedy introduces bills to withhold lawmakers' pay during shutdowns, aligning their pay with furloughed workers.

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced two bills in November 2025 to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns, placing salaries in escrow until the next Congress begins. The legislation, also backed by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) in the House, aims to align lawmakers’ financial interests with federal employees who lose pay during funding lapses. The move comes as the ongoing shutdown nears the longest in U.S. history, fueling calls for accountability.