Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) continues to champion legislation aimed at withholding members of Congress's pay during government shutdowns, a measure designed to align lawmakers' incentives with those of federal workers.

The effort gained renewed attention following the 43-day federal government shutdown in fall 2025, which disrupted pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees and cost the economy billions. Kennedy introduced multiple proposals during that period, including the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act, which would eliminate congressional paychecks entirely during a lapse in appropriations with no back pay provision, and the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act (S. 3057), which would place salaries in escrow until the next Congress.

"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," Kennedy stated in a November 2025 press release.

Attempts to pass these bills via unanimous consent on the Senate floor were blocked amid the shutdown. After the government reopened, Kennedy pivoted to S. Res. 526, a resolution specifically withholding senators' pay during future shutdowns. The measure directs the secretary of the Senate to hold paychecks in a secure account, releasing them only after operations resume, and would take effect following the November 2026 elections to address potential constitutional concerns under the 27th Amendment.

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee unanimously approved S. Res. 526 on December 17, 2025, placing it on the chamber's legislative calendar under General Orders, Calendar No. 296. No further floor action has occurred as of early March 2026.

In a January 2026 op-ed, Kennedy argued that the policy promotes fairness and deterrence, citing the 2013 No Budget, No Pay Act, which successfully prompted timely budget passage by threatening withheld pay. He noted the 2025 shutdown's lasting impacts, including over $365 million in emergency loans for federal workers and depleted food pantries.

House Republicans have introduced companion measures, such as H.R. 5637, the No Work, No Pay Act of 2025 by Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-Utah), which prohibits congressional pay during shutdowns starting with the 120th Congress. It remains referred to committees.

A partial shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding occurred in February 2026, underscoring ongoing fiscal tensions, though it did not halt all government functions. Kennedy's push reflects broader calls for accountability, with the resolution still pending a full Senate vote as the 119th Congress progresses.